What thread or rope to buy to make macrame?

One of the first questions that arises when getting started in macrame is which rope or thread should you use. To answer it It is important to go back to the definition of macrame and it is this:

Macrame is the technique of creating fabrics using decorative knots 

Therefore, any material that you can use to tie knots, a priori, is suitable for making macrame. And what will vary, of course, will be the look and final finish of the project, depending on the material you choose.

That said, there are 3 types of threads that are the most recommended and the ones that are currently being used the most in macrame, since they are designed for it. So today we are going to focus on seeing those 3 types: twisted rope , combed rope or warp, and braided rope .

And which one is the best It depends on the project you do and your own tastes. Also, you don't have to limit yourself to just one type, you can combine different strings even in the same piece to get textures!!

Below you will find a simple and clear summary of the threads used for macramé, their characteristics and main differences, apart from the appearance, of course, that you can see in the images.

What strings or threads are used for macrame?

Twisted rope

The twisted rope is the one traditionally used in the macrame technique. It is produced by twisting three strands into a spiral.

• It's a ropeeasy to work, so it is recommended to start in macrame.
• You can unroll the strands that make up the rope to get somewavy fringes, And comb them to smooth out the waves.
• Due to its structure, it is a ropetough and strong, making it perfect for utilitarian projects (eg a chair).
• It is not elastic, so it is recommended for those projects in which it is important that the rope does not stretch if force is exerted on it or it must support a certain weight (eg a swing or a hammock).
• It is the rope thatweight more than the 3 that we will see, so it is not the most suitable for projects in which the weight of the final piece is important (eg a bag or a vest).
• Due to its production process, it isthe most expensive ropeof the 3 that we will see today.
• It is available in a widevariety of thicknesses and colors. You can buy ithere.

Combed rope or warp

Combed rope, also called warp, is produced by twisting cotton threads into a single strand.

• It's a threadvery easy to fray and style, due to its structure.So it is the ideal rope to getfluffy fringes, and make feathers and macrame leaves.
• The fact that it frays easily complicates working with it, soIt is not recommended to get started in macrame.
• It's a ropeextra soft, recommended for pieces that will have contact with the skin, but on the other hand, it is not the most suitable for utility projects (eg a chair) because its wear is greater than that of the other ropes.
• It is not elastic.
• It's a ropevery lightTherefore, it is recommended for projects where the weight of the final piece is important (eg a bag).
• Is the threadcheaper, since its production process is the simplest of the 3.
• Offers awide range of colors and thicknesses. You can buy ithere.

Braided rope

The core braided rope, which means that it has a core of cotton threads that keeps its shape.

• It is the rope moreeasy to handle, so it is ideal to start making macrame.
• Thanks to the core that maintains the shape of the rope, somevery well defined knots, which is important in the learning process to understand each knot well.
• Cannot be frayed, so it is not suitable for making fringes or macramé leaves.
• It isa little elasticTherefore, it is not recommended for projects in which the rope must support a certain weight or force is going to be exerted on it, since it will end up stretching and deforming the piece.
• It's a ropelight, and is recommended for projects where it is important that the final piece weighs as little as possible (eg a bag or vest).
• It's a ropeeconomical.
• It can be found atmany thicknesses and colors. You can buy ithere.

Where to buy rope or threads for macrame?

In MyselfOnline store you can find all the strings that are used for macrame. They are available in many colors and thicknesses, so you are sure to find the rope you need for the project you have in mind!

 

Save this infographic to your Pinterest for later!