Maedup & Co's guide to choosing the right cord.

We have a wide range of types of cording for all types of projects so YES, if it's cord you are looking for, you are in the right place! However, there is so much to choose from that you don't know where to start!

Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Q: What to use according to my maedeup level?:

• Beginner: beginner or less expert maedeupers will need a rather rigid cord that stands upright when forming the loops around your hand. We recommend the Korean cording to start out with as it is the more adapted cord for maedeup projects due to its stiffness.
• Leather cord is also a good starting cord although it doesn't slide as easily and can be trickier at the tightening stage.

• Average: You master all the basics? We advise Korean cord, nylon satin cord and leather cords.

• Avanced to expert: Any cord is possible for the expert user. Rayon satin cord and silk are so satiny that they are slippy making them more difficult for beginners to use.

Q: How much cord do I need for a maedeup project?

• For a necklace: A minimum of 1m50 is needed if you use findings on the cord ends. 2m or more if you make button knots or want to leave ends loose to tie round your neck.

Some knots use a lot of cord such as the spectacle knot - if you make a series of these on a necklace (5 to 7 say) you'll need around 5m of cord! 

• For a bracelet: bracelets require as much cord as necklaces as they are generally composed of a series of knots.  You will need minimum 1.50m for a series of crossed knots and 2m for a series of ginger knots for example.

We provide cord in 10 yard (9.14m) coils which we recommend as this amount of cord will allow to complete just about any project and iworks out cheaper per metre.

Q: What are some of the differences in aspect and result?

 - Satin cord or 'Rattail' is seemingly the most popular type of cord and is made of woven rayon or nylon. The result is smooth, silky and shiny and gives a luxurious aspect to your projects.

Both nylon and rayon cord have a similar aspect although the rayon is a lot silkier and by the same occasion quite a bit more slippery.

Nylon satin cord can be melted to set the ends and prevent them from fraying unlike rayon satin cord. However, you can use a dab of glue or cord end findings to finish off your rayon satin cord projects nicely.

 - Korean cord is really the Rolls Royce of all cords for knotting projects! Technically speaking it is a woven cord with a cotton heart which makes it stiffer than the other cords. It is easier to learn with/use and the knots hold their shape well. For comparison it is thicker and stiffer than chinese cording.   Its woven surface makes it less silky than satin cord and thus less slippy. It does however have a sheen to it and the results are very noble.

 - Leather cord works quite well for maedeup.  The tightening process is a little more difficult as it doesn't slide as easily as textile. When making bracelets with it, be careful not to wet them as humid leather tends to stretch and your bracelet will become too big.

 - Silk cord Luxurious, you are in true Maedeup tradition if you opt for this cord. It gives similar results to rayon satin cord and is slippy, so for the more expert knotter. 

Other types of cord tested for you:

Linen cord, hemp and other: These cords work if you manage to find them in a sufficient diameter. The result if more macramé looking and they do not necessarily valorize the knot. Whats more is this type of cord doesn't take well to being manipulated a lot and its protective coating soon wears out and the cord frays. The result is a bit shabby looking as maedeup knots prefer more 'noble' materials, but these more natural fibres can work well for interior decorating projects more than for jewelery projects.

Maintaining your cord :

If your cord or jewelery piece should get dirty from wear, it is fairly simple to launder it. Just run it under lukewarm water with some liquid soap : shampoo or woolite works best as regular soap can leave residue. Rince well and then remove excess water by drying it in a towel, then leave to air dry.

The colors are set and will not run, however we do not recommend leaving your cord to soak.