Author: Talha
I am a crochet designer, macramé maker and a crafter who also loves doing MATH.
If you ever read my crochet guides, you know, macramé cord has been my ultimate yarn choice. But, I also recommend not using it as a beginner as a side note in every guide. However, there are many cases when crocheting something with a macramé cord is much more rewarding than you think. While, macramé cord is less elastic than the regular cotton yarn for example, once you get a proper control over it, you won’t feel straining to work with it.
And the texture you get as a result; it is elegant than you can achieve with any other yarn. My initial excuse for working with macramé cord in this blog was to compensate for my camera quality so that you can easily see every stitch.
But, I have worked with it so much afterwards, that all of my crochet projects are crocheted using the macramé cord. Now, let me show you when you should crochet with macramé cord and when you should completely avoid that!
Which Macramé Cord I use?
Of different types of macramé cords, I use 2.5mm polyester cord with a smooth woven sheath. Mine is a shiny decorative cord (that’s why I use it to make crochet decorations!) that I buy in just 0.25 bucks from my local store. It is cheap as it is manufactured in the district of my city.
What I like about polyester cord?
This cord is strong, has a beautiful texture and comes in a variety of colors.
What I don’t like about polyester cord?
Due to the shimmer particles all over this cord, this yarn feels much resistive to my fingers. Also, sometimes, the skein contains a broken fiber spot.
Anyway, I like this cord as I have been kind of used to it, I can clearly see my stitches and track my mistakes and fabric does not look fuzzy in the end. Also, I can make Friendship Bracelets with my leftover yarn skeins!
What are other types of Macramé Cords?
Besides this cord which I think is great for crocheting, there are many other types of macramé cords which may or may not be suitable for crocheting but for macramé (I have not tested all of them!).
Twisted Cotton Cord
This cord is made of twisted cotton fibers and has a quite natural look. You can and may have seen using them in plant pot holders, hanging baskets and wall hangings. This has a soft texture and can be combed out for making tassels. Common types that I have seen include the Single twist, 3-ply twisted, multi-ply rope.
Jute, Hemp, and Natural Fiber Cord
Rustic cords that are also eco-friendly and have a rougher texture. You can use to make gardening crochet items such as pot covers, lamp cover and more.
Hollow Cotton Cord
Hollow cotton cord is made like a tube instead of a solid twisted rope. There is a beautiful lace texture in this cord especially when you buy the hollow cotton yarn. You might have seen one in my crochet bag discussion and that’s the best use of it.
So, When I Can Use Macramé Cord
A rule of thumb for using macramé cord in crochet is whenever you need a decorative as well as sturdy crochet item. So, you can use to make the following things in crochet using the macramé cord:
- Crochet the formal bags especially clutches, purses and backpacks coupled with bag hardware.
- To crochet the cords especially I-cord, bag handles, wall hanging supports and plant hanging supports, etc. Other cords you can make are the puff stitch cord, half I-cord, Romanian cord and more.
- Make the crochet baskets especially when you will use them as pet beds as they will definitely want to tear the stuff.
- Crochet a mug cozy, crochet solid coaster, mesh bag, rug and a simple doily with the macramé cord like me.
- Crochet the boho wall hangings, hanging baskets, pillow covers, lam shades, curtain ties, crochet jewelry (yes, must-use) and pet toys.
So, When I Should Not
The fabric made by macramé cord is much tougher and heavier.
- Don’t try to make an amigurumi with this yarn
- Never crochet an applique with this yarn especially when your tension is not good
- Try not to crochet the garments such as crochet tops and sweaters with this yarn especially with the solid stitching.
- Never use for making solid crochet covers and so on.
My Last Thoughts
Well, these are my thoughts on using macrame cord in crochet. I have asked many crocheters in this regard and most of did not planned to use it. Probably, I was asking the creators of the prohibited projects but I am sure you will have fun crocheting with the macrame cord once you get used to it and choose right hook for it.
Well, I have found that 1.3 x of yarn thickness for the hook size is good to be used with a polyster cord. You can also tell me your analysis. Bye bye!
