Crochet with macrame cord means working with a twisted, rope-like cord material typically used for macrame knotting, adapted instead to a hook for a sturdier, more structured finished texture than standard yarn produces. Macrame cord suits outdoor plant hangers and bags where standard yarn would not hold up to sun and moisture exposure the same way. This guide covers what changes with this material.
What Changes with Macrame Cord
Macrame cord has significantly less give than standard yarn, since its twisted rope construction resists stretching, meaning stitches hold their exact shape more rigidly and are less forgiving of tension inconsistencies. Use a larger hook than the cord’s diameter might initially suggest, since a too-small hook makes inserting through already-worked stitches physically difficult with this stiffer material.
Best Uses for Crocheted Macrame Cord
Plant hangers, structured bags, and outdoor or heavy-use items benefit most from the material’s durability and weather resistance, especially cotton or polypropylene macrame cord specifically rated for outdoor use. The material is generally too stiff and heavy for wearable garments or anything needing softness against skin.
Working Tips
Expect noticeably more hand fatigue working with macrame cord compared to standard yarn, given the added stiffness and grip required to manipulate it, so plan shorter working sessions than you might with a softer yarn. Cord ends fray more than yarn tails, so seal cut ends with a small dab of clear glue or a quick pass of a lighter for synthetic cord, rather than relying on weaving alone to secure them.
Frequently asked questions
What hook size works with macrame cord?
Generally a larger hook than the cord’s diameter alone might suggest, often 6mm or larger, since the material’s stiffness makes a too-small hook physically difficult to insert through already-worked stitches.
Is macrame cord good for garments?
Generally not. The material’s stiffness and weight suit structured items like bags and plant hangers far better than anything meant to be worn comfortably against skin.
Want tips for other large-format yarns too?
See how jumbo roving-style yarn compares for a different chunky texture.
See the large yarn guide
