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How to Easily Estimate Macrame Cord Lengths

How to estimate macrame cord lengths - Macrame for Beginners Guide - Basics

When you’re just starting out with Macrame, you’re probably wondering how to measure the correct rope length for your projects. In this Beginner’s Guide, I will give you all my best tips for estimating the length of your Macrame cords and ropes.

Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my (Amazon) links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll happily spend on more colorful macrame cords!

How do I know the length of cord I need for a project?

In most cases, your Macrame cord needs to be roughly four times the length of your project. When your cord is folded in half with a Lark’s Head Knot to create two cords, go for eight times the length.

When estimating the length of your cord, it’s important to look at the pattern first:

  • If your pattern consists of many knots, you will probably need more rope
  • When your pattern consists of many straight cords, you can cut the rope a bit shorter
  • The thicker the cord, the longer it needs to be
  • Braided and 3-ply ropes take up more length per knot than a single strand cord
  • When in doubt, always cut more rope than you think you need
  • Always estimate extra cord to create a fringe at the end

How do I change my cord thickness? 

When you change your cord thickness from the size stated in your pattern, you will have to add or subtract length.

If you’re wondering how to measure cords when you change from 4mm to 5mm or the other way around, you can use this super handy calculation table on the website of Mary Maker Studio.

How to Macrame?

Are you new to Macrame? No worries, it’s very easy to learn! Check out my Macrame for Beginners Guides to quickly master the basics and discover all my best Macrame beginner tips.

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Macrame Basics - How To Easily Measure Macrame Cord Lengths - Macrame Tutorials for Beginners

How to calculate Macrame cord lengths?

If you want to be more specific, you can calculate the length of each knot separately. Simply tie the knot and mark the top and bottom of the knot on the rope with a pen.

Now untie the knot to measure how much cord was needed for one knot and multiply the length of each knot to measure up your project.

I recommend keeping a record of all your measurements per cord size & type in mm for easy reference in the future.

How to Estimate Macrame Rope Lengths - Macrame for Beginners

What is the best cord for Macrame?

Most fiber artists prefer working with high-quality cotton ropes because it’s strong and durable and makes your projects look amazing. Cotton rope is easy to unravel, so that you can turn the ends into a lovely fringe.

Cotton rope is usually available in three types: Single strand, braided, and twisted. Braided cotton rope consists of 6 strands (or more) braided into one single rope. Twisted cotton rope consists of 3 strands (also known as 3-ply) twisted around each other.

Bobbiny Cords

I love creating my Macrame pieces with cords from Bobbiny. Their colorful and silky soft eco-friendly cords are easy to work with and perfect for beginners. Read my full Bobbiny Product Review to discover why I recommend this brand!

How to Estimate Macrame Cord Lengths - Macrame for Beginners

What size cord is best for Macrame?

The thickness of the macrame cord is often indicated in millimeters (mm). When picking the right rope diameter for your project, I recommend using a standard medium-sized Macrame cord of at least 3-5mm.

Medium-sized cords are the #1 choice by most fiber artists and are perfect for creating your wall hangings, plant hangers, and other Macrame home decor projects.

If you want to design a giant wall piece, you can even go up to 8mm. Just consider that such a thick cord will make your project very heavy.

For tiny projects like bracelets, I recommend staying under 2mm. You can check out my Macrame Supplies Guide to find the perfect cord for your next Macrame project!

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How do you choose the best Macrame rope?

After lots of trial and error, I’ve found that the quality of your ropes and cords is very important when working on a Macrame Wall hanging or Macrame Planter.

Especially as a beginner, you want a cord that’s soft on your fingers and easy to work with. When you’re still practicing your knots, I recommend picking patterns that use at least 4mm ropes, so it’s easier to unravel when you’re making a mistake.

Regarding my favorite brands, I recommend working with high-quality soft cotton Macrame ropes from professional cord makers such as Bobbiny.

Easy DIY Macrame Beginner Projects

I’ve created a list of Easy Beginner Projects with video tutorials from some of the best Macrame teachers on YouTube. Each project has all the correct measurements, so you can start knotting immediately!

Where to buy the best Macrame Cords and Ropes

Whether you’re searching for ropes, cords, dowels, rods, hoops, natural branches, or colorful beads, you can find a list of all the best quality Macrame ropes and cords in my Macrame Supplies Shopping Guide.

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Macrame Basics - How To Easily Measure Macrame Cord Lengths - Macrame Tutorials for Beginners

About Macrame for Beginners

Welcome to my blog, macrameforbeginners.com, where I love teaching and inspiring you to create beautiful Macrame decorations.

New to Macrame? No worries, it’s super fun to learn! Follow my 3 Easy Steps and download my FREE MACRAME KNOT GUIDE to start!

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Macrame for Beginners has teamed up with the best online Macrame teachers so we can provide you with FREE high-quality tutorials. Learn how to make everything you’ve always dreamed of and discover all 1000+ free patterns!

Watch my Latest YouTube Tutorial

This cute Macrame Plant Hanger is easy to make and only uses 3 easy knots. Subscribe to the Macrame for Beginners YouTube channel for more fun beginner tutorials!

YouTube video

Check out these Easy Macrame Beginner Projects for more inspiration, and read my Shopping Guide for the best Macrame supplies!

Happy Knotting!

Love,
Marloes

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