Yes, you can usually straighten macramé cord if it’s gotten curled or creased. The best method to do this depends on the material you decide to use, but gentle tension, light moisture, and brushing will usually do the trick.
Hang the Cord Under Light Tension
For mild bends, you can hang your cord vertically and attach a small amount of weight to the bottom. Then, leave it alone for several hours or overnight.
The weight that you opt for should be heavy enough to keep the cord straight. If you use too much force, you can stretch or distort the cord, especially if it’s quite soft.
You can also pull the cord gently between your fingers before you hang it.
Use a Macramé Comb or Brush
If your cord is very twisted or wavy, taking a comb to it can help straighten the fibres.
Start at the bottom and work upwards in small sections. Hold the cord above the area you are brushing so you don’t pull too hard at the knots.
A macramé comb, pet grooming brush (if it’s clean and hasn’t been used on an animal), or a clean fine-toothed comb can all work, depending on how soft and how tightly twisted the cord is.
Brushing is especially useful for things like:
- Fringes
- Tassels
- Feathers
- Unravelled single-twist cord
Lightly Dampen the Cord
Cotton macramé cord can often be straightened by lightly misting it with water (a bit like you would when using an iron on clothes).
Comb or smooth the damp cord into position to allow it to dry naturally. Hanging it under gentle tension whilst it dries can give it a straighter finish.
Avoid soaking your cord, as excessive water can affect the shape of the project and actually make some of your knots tighter.
Can You Iron Macramé Cord?
Some macramé cord can be pressed carefully, but direct ironing is usually not the best way to do that.
Place a clean cloth between the iron and the cord and use a low heat setting to test a small, more hidden, section of the project first.
Don’t use high heat on synthetic cord, as it can melt, flatten, and become damaged.
Steam may help to relax cotton fibres, but keep the iron slightly above the cord rather than pressing it directly.
Will Macramé Cord Straighten Naturally?
Very minor bends can disappear naturally once the cord is hanging in a completed project. Gravity gradually pulls the strands down, particularly when the cord is quite soft.
More noticeable creases, however, may need brushing, dampening, or gentle tension.
Can You Straighten Cord That Has Been Unravelled?
Cord taken from an old or unfinished macramé project may retain bends where the knots were tied.
You can often reuse it by:
- Untying the knots carefully.
- Running the cord between your fingers.
- Lightly misting it with water.
- Hanging it under gentle tension.
- Allowing it to dry completely.
Some marks may remain even after you have completed this process, particularly if the cord was knotted tightly for a long period of time. If such cord will be used in another knotted section, this may not matter as much.
Final Answer
Macramé cord can usually be straightened if you use gentle tension, brushing, or a light mist of water. It’s usually easier to reshape cotton cord than synthetic cord.
Start with a gentle method if possible, avoiding excessive heat, soaking or force, especially if you are working with delicate or unfamiliar cord.