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How to Measure and Cut Cords Accurately for Any Project

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How to Measure and Cut Cords Accurately for Any Project

Precision is not about the count, but it is the hidden glory of every perfect knot!


Macrame product creation is a confluence of accurate cord thickness, precision-rich cutting, premium quality scissors, and high-grade knotting technique. Whether you are about to create a macrame plant hanger, wall hanging, lampshade, or swinging chair. The right cord measurement for every product tends to bring a neat, professional, and finished touch to the product. 


The measuring and cutting of the cords accurately tend to reduce the waste, save time, and ensure that the design of the cords doesn’t look inappropriate. Nothing is more beautiful than an accurate and precise embodied product. The silent beauty and texture of macrame cords are redefining the spirit of home decor. You might believe that precision is just a choice, but it is much more than that. 


Believe it or not, accurate measurement and cutting are bringing the premium quality product to life. Later, it nurtures the quality and design of the home. In this blog, we will showcase how to measure and cut cords accurately for any project. Thereby, it recreates the home space more authentically. 


What is the importance of Accurate Measurement?


When a beginner first crafts with macrame, they sometimes underestimate or overestimate the amount of cord. However, initially, the actual measurement or cutting hardly affects the cord, but at the final stage, it is the defining element. Here are the major nuances that affect the finishing and style of macrame products: 


Underestimation of the Cord: The underestimation of the cord highlights that you might run out of the cord without finishing the project. It tends to force the fixes, restarts, and forced patching on the Macrame product. 


Overestimation of the Cord: Overestimation predominantly leads to an increase the waste and tangles the project creation significantly. 


Accuracy is not a choice but a primary element that speaks the best about the product. When cutting and measuring are done appropriately, the macrame product made is finished, iconic, yet breathtaking. The consistent symmetry and harmony of cords help the individual to visualize the final macrame design efficiently. 

Factors That Primarily Affect the Cord Length

Multiple factors affect the cord length, including type, thickness, and end product formation. The perfect infusion of the right type, thickness, and product allows the artisan to develop a world-class product. In addition, the knotting style and pattern complexity tend to redefine the quality of the macrame product. Here are the major factors:


Pattern Complexity: The pattern complexity is the major factor that is responsible for the measurement and cutting of cords. The dense pattern with many knots or layered sections of knots requires more cords than an open design of macrame. 


Cord Thickness: Cord thickness is a variable factor for the quality of macrame products. The thicker cords tend to take up more space per knot than the thinner knot. However, the thinner cords may stretch more flexibly and may need the longer cuts. 


Type of Knot: Different types of knots consume different amounts of cords. Every knotting style has its own distinctive quality. Square knots and spiral knots tend to use more length of the cord than the half-hitch knot. If you want a tighter pattern of knots, the chances are higher that you need a stronger cord for the perfect crafting of a macrame product. 


Size of Project: The project design and size are directly proportional to the amount of cords. The taller and wider the design, the more cord will be required. Before the beginning of the macrame project, ensure that the size, length, and quality of the product are needed. 

Standard Measuring Rule for Macrame 


In the macrame ecosystem, the golden ratio is the standard measuring rule for macrame. What you can do is find out the 4 or 6 times the length of your final project. You can use 4 times the finished length for the pattern using looser knots. And use 5 or 6 times of cord length for a detailed yet tighter pattern. For instance, if your plant hanger length is 5 meters, and you are using spiral knots throughout, then plan 25 to 30 meters of cord. 


Step-by-Step Guide to Measure the Macrame Cords  

Step 1: Choose Your Design 

For beginning, draw a rough sketch of your design. You need to identify the number of cords and types of knots you are going to use in your project. Make sure you consider the tightness, looseness, or the loop styling. 

Step 2: Select the Right Cord Type and Thickness

You can choose the single-stranded, twisted, or braided cord based on your particular design. In addition, beforehand, you have to decide the thickness of cords from 1mm to 5mm; thickness is available at Macrame Cords Pari. For making fringers or feathers, twisted cords are best, but for strength and empowerment of the project, braided cords are perfect. 

Step 3: Calculate the Cord Length 


You can use the simple formula for the calculation of the cord length with ease. 


1. One method is {Macrame Golden Ratio = Length * 4.5 * }, the desired length of cords is often chosen by multiplying it by 4.5. 

2. The other method is { Estimated cord length = (Project length * Knot Factor) + Fringe Allowance + Loop Allowance. In this knot factor is between 4 to 6, depending on the knot density. Fringe allowance, which is 20 to 30 cm or as desired, and loop allowance is equal to 20 to 25 cm for major items like plant hangers. 

Step 4: Multiplication by Number of Cords


When you have the length of one cord right, then multiplication of it by the total number of cords that are required for the project. Afterwards, you can get the accurate and right cord measurement. 

Measure and Cut with Accuracy: Let’s Begin


The proper track of measurements and always having one set of cords extra can help you create a perfect macrame product. The final outcome of the product will be alluring if you choose the right measurement and cutting. Mastercraft from macrame is not just made with creativity but with precision-rich cords. The golden ratio of macrame measurement is the secret stone for the best quality of the product. 


The precision, passion, and patience involved in cord measurement will let you get the best out of various cords. From an elegant wall hanging to a swinging chair, smooth crafting is all based on authentic and accurate measurements. The proper planning, measurements, and selection of the right cords let you create with precision-rich finished product for your home space. 


Let your next creation be the beacon of your macrame journey. Shop Macrame Cords Pari’s premium collection of braided, twisted, and single-stranded cords. Available in more than 40 colours with varied thicknesses from 1mm to 5mm. Start with us, and perfection will come as a byproduct!

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