It depends on your project and the look you’re after, but many makers start with cotton because it’s soft, easy to knot, and fringes nicely. Here’s a quick guide:

• Cotton: Beginner-friendly; great knot definition and soft fringe.
• Jute or hemp: Rustic texture; a bit rougher to the touch.
• Polypropylene/polyester: Durable choice when you expect moisture or outdoor use.

• Construction: Single-strand = smooth look; 3-ply twisted = classic texture and easy fringing; braided = tidy surface and less fray.
• Thickness: 2–3 mm for jewelry/small decor; 4–5 mm for wall hangings and plant hangers; 6 mm+ for chunky designs.
• Safety note: For plant hangers, account for pot + soil weight and use hardware rated for the load. Installation matters as much as cord choice.

These terms get used differently, but this breakdown can help:

• Macrame cord (single-strand): One gently twisted bundle. Soft drape, smooth surface, brushes into fringe easily—great for modern, clean looks.
• Macrame rope (3‑ply twisted): Multiple strands twisted together. More texture, strong knot definition, and the classic macrame aesthetic.
• Braided cord: Woven construction. Generally resists fraying more and keeps a uniform appearance.

Material also matters. Cotton is soft and forgiving, hemp and jute deliver a natural, earthy vibe, and polypropylene/polyester offer durability for bags or outdoor pieces. Choose based on the texture you want, how much fringing you plan, and the expected weight of your finished project.

Yardage varies by knot density, cord size, and fringe. These starting points can help you plan:

• Wall hangings: Many crafters begin with cords about 4–6× the finished length for sections with square or half knots.
• Plant hangers: Often 6–8× the hanger length, plus extra for gathering knots and tassels.
• Dense patterns/fringe: Add length; intricate knots and big fringes use more cord.

Try a small test strip with your knot pattern to estimate how much you’ll use, then scale up. Choosing a spool length that leaves some extra can offer flexibility for adjustments or future accents. Results may vary with fiber type, cord diameter, and individual knot tension.

Outdoor pieces face sun, moisture, and dust, so materials behave differently:

• Natural fibers (cotton, jute, hemp): Soft and organic, but they can absorb water and may wear faster outside.
• Synthetics (polypropylene, polyester): Typically handle moisture better and are a practical pick for porches, patios, or plant hangers outdoors.
• Color & care: Sun exposure can fade colors over time. Rinsing away debris and allowing pieces to dry completely can help maintain appearance.

For outdoor macrame, consider synthetic cords for durability, or plan to bring natural‑fiber pieces inside during bad weather. Always use hanging hardware and anchors suited to the load and conditions, especially for plant hangers.

Fraying is common with twisted and single‑strand cords, but you can manage it with a few simple techniques:

• Tape before cutting: Wrap the spot you’ll cut for a cleaner edge.
• Secure ends: A small drop of fabric glue or a whipping knot works well on natural fibers.
• Heat‑seal synthetics only: Some polypropylene/polyester cords can be carefully melted at the tip. If you choose this, follow product guidance and basic fire safety, and keep heat away from natural fibers.
• Use sharp tools: Sharp scissors reduce fuzz; comb only when you want a deliberate fringe.

Different materials and constructions fray differently. Test finishing methods on a small offcut to see what fits your project best.