Macrame cotton cord is softer than rope and is very gentle on your hands and super smooth-looking on your projects, with no pulled strings in-between and no uneven twists affecting the way your project looks.

3-5mm cord falls in to the medium category, and this is the thickness that most people tend to use for plant and wall hangings. Most people advise that the 5mm cord is best for beginners, as it is easier to work with, and doesn't take so long to create the first few projects.

Before you master the art of macrame, starting with medium-sized (3-6mm) hemp or cotton rope is best. It is easy to work with and versatile, so you can make most basic knots. A 3-ply strand is probably the most appropriate choice, as it will not untwist so easily.

Cotton yarn is your best option if you're looking for an alternative to macrame cords.