How to Work With Cotton Cord

Cotton cord is used by many industries and in many products.

Cotton cord comes in many diameters and has many functions. Industries from jewelry to apparel use cotton cord in the construction of their products. Very thin cotton cord is used for hand tying beaded necklaces, such as a string of pearls or beads. Thicker diameters of cotton cord are used in clothing and fabric to create drawstring closures. Sweat pants, windbreakers, purses, and backpacks often feature cotton cord drawstrings as a major component of their design. Cotton cord is truly a versatile product and can be purchased at fabric and craft stores.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Cotton cord - 1.4mm or 2mm
• Lobster clasp set
• Super glue
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Pearls or beads
• Cotton cord - ¾-inch diameter by double the casing length measurement
• Item with drawstring casing
• 2 safety pins

Instructions

Working with Cotton Jewelry Cord

1. Cut a piece of 24-inch 1.4mm or 2mm cotton cord (unless your beaded necklace will be longer, then follow your own measurements). According to Handmade Jewelry, because you will be tying knots before and after every bead, you need to add extra cotton cord inches for each bead. It's better to overestimate the length of your necklace than to end up with a finished product that's too short. If you are using large beads, you will need several pieces of cord bunched together so the beads fit snugly. Cut as many 24-inch pieces of cotton cord as needed until your bead, when strung over the group of cotton cords, doesn't slide freely.

2. Feed the end of the cord through one side of the lobster clasp. Tie the cotton cord in an overhand knot to secure the clasp (see Resources for knot instructions). Cut the cotton cord near the clasp leaving a ¼-inch tail. Dab the knot with a drop of super glue.

3. Lay the cord on a ruler and decide how many beads you want to include on your necklace. Make a pencil mark on the cord where each bead should be.

4. Tie an overhand knot on the cotton cord next to the clasp. Thread the end without a clasp through a bead. Tie another overhand knot with the cotton cord as close to the bead as possible.

5. Continue threading the cord end through a bead and tying an overhand knot after each bead until you have strung the desired number of beads onto the cotton cord. Make sure to tie a knot after the last bead.

6. Feed the end of the cotton cord through the remaining clasp, pushing the clasp to the last knot. Tie an overhand knot to secure the clasp. Cut the cotton cord leaving a ¼-inch tail. Dab the knot with a drop of super glue.

Working with Cotton Cord as Drawstrings

1. Lay the item with the casing to be filled with a drawstring flat on a work surface. Measure the flat width of the casing/waistband. Double the measurement. Cut the cotton cord to this measurement.

2. Connect a safety pin to one end of the cord. Connect a second safety pin to the cord's other end and through one side of the casing opening.

3. Feed the pin/cord through the casing until it emerges from the other side of the casing opening. Remove pins. Tie each end of the cord into a tight knot to eliminate the possibility of the cord slipping into the casing and getting lost inside.

4. Pull both ends of the cotton cord tight and tie the cord into a bow or knot depending on your item.

Tips & Warnings

• Cotton cord is available waxed for use in jewelry, which makes it easy to thread beads.

References

• Handmade Jewelry: How to Create Spectacular Designs On Your Own

Resources

• 20-20 Site: How to Tie an Overhand Knot
• Washington State University Extension 4-H Youth Program: Drawstring Backpack Project