Cotton Rope, Cord and Twine
Twisted, braided and waxed cotton rope, cord and twine, 2mm to 10mm diameter, for macrame, craft, packaging and general-purpose use.
- Fibre
- Cotton
- Construction
- Twisted, braided and waxed
- Diameter Range
- 2mm to 10mm
- Colour
- Natural off-white; can be sourced dyed on request
- Put-Up
- Reels, spools, hanks or balls, to specified length or weight
- HS Heading
- 5607 — Twine, cordage, ropes and cables
Soft vs Waxed Cotton Cordage
Cotton rope and twine are not formally graded the way jute or manila fibre is — buyers instead specify by construction, ply and finish, since these determine hand-feel, knot behaviour and durability more than a fibre grade would.
Standard Finish
Untreated cotton cord with a soft hand-feel, the standard choice for macrame, craft work, drawstrings and any application where the rope will be handled directly and softness matters.
Treated Finish
Waxed cotton cord has an applied wax coating for improved abrasion resistance, better knot-holding and a stiffer, more consistent feed — commonly specified for utility twine, bookbinding and applications with repeated handling or friction.
Construction Types Available
Twisted Cord
Standard twisted construction across the 2mm–10mm range, the most common form for general tying, packaging and craft use.
Braided Rope and Cord
A flatter, more flexible braided construction preferred for macrame, decorative work and applications needing better drape than a twisted cord.
Waxed Twine
Fine-diameter waxed cotton twine for bookbinding, upholstery, baking and general utility tying where knot security and consistent feed matter.
Where Cotton Rope, Cord and Twine Is Used
Packaging
Cotton rope, cord and twine is supplied on reels, spools, in hanks or wound into balls depending on diameter and order size — craft and design buyers ordering smaller runs should specify put-up format (reel vs ball vs hank) since this affects how the material feeds for their own process. Export shipments follow standard textile packaging practice; confirm any destination-specific documentation requirement in advance via our export page.
Common Questions
What is the best cotton cord for macrame?
Soft, untreated twisted or braided cotton cord in the 3mm to 5mm range is the most common specification for macrame, since it holds knots well without the stiffness of a waxed finish. Braided cord generally drapes better than twisted for wall hangings and plant hangers.
What is waxed cotton twine used for?
Waxed cotton twine is used where knot security and abrasion resistance matter more than softness — common uses include bookbinding, upholstery work, baking and trussing, and general utility tying where the twine will be handled or rub against a surface repeatedly.
Does cotton rope shrink or stretch?
Cotton rope can shrink slightly if it gets wet and dries under tension, and it has less elasticity than synthetic rope, so it is not the right choice for shock-loading applications. For decorative, craft and light-duty use this is rarely an issue.
Get a quote on Cotton Rope, Cord and Twine
Send your diameter, ply, quantity and destination and we will confirm pricing and lead time.
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