Did you know you can make drawstring cords for, say, your diy drawstring bags using sewing thread, yarn, or even embroidery floss? See how to make twisted cord from a spool of thread, or how to make yarn rope with yarn - so incredibly easy, and fun!
Self-made drawstrings are the way to go for that special, unique look of your diy drawstring bags. Or use it on gift wrappings or diy gift bags! You can either match your main fabric perfectly or use a contrasting fabric!
Or make your own yarn rope and use it on cute little pouches like this one - get a cute drawstring pouch pattern when you join the AppleGreen Cottage mailing list.
What is diy drawstring cord, or diy twisted cord - or diy yarn rope?
Drawstring cord, twisted cord, or yarn rope (and probably there are even more names), are cords you can thread through a casing of a pouch to turn it into a drawstring pouch (like this drawstring pouch tutorial!). Diy drawstrings will tighten or close an opening when one or both ends are pulled. The fabric will cinch up and the twisted cord will hold it closed.
I love making diy drawstring bags, and occasionally run out of the satin ribbon, or ready-made drawstrings for a diy drawstring pouch like this one. But they are so easy to make So here's a tutorial for how to make a drawstring cord - your own!
My mom taught me how to make yarn rope. The same as in the photo, just made with yarn, so the diy twisted cord ends up thicker, and it is faster to diy than the twisted cord out of thread. My sister and I kept making them out of thick yarn, and used them for our crafts. Well, then I grew up and forgot all about these. Until recently.
This is what I made recently, with single thread embroidery floss in various colors, bought by mistake:
How To Make Twisted Cord
I tried making diy drawstring cord, or twisted cord as we call it locally, and ended up with several yards of - nicely twisted cord! I used 5 threads of thick thread each time, and luckily, it went quite well.
To make a twisted cord, you twist multiple strands together to form a stronger and more durable material. Here's an easy how-to:
How To Make Twisted Cord from Embroidery Floss, Thick Thread, Or Yarn
- I cut 5 strands of single thread embroidery floss in the same color.
- I placed all 5 threads together on the table so they were all lined up,
- and tied a knot at one end to keep them secured together.
- then I tied the knot side on a fixed on a hook to hold it firm and steady.
- Pulling on the other end of the threads, I started twisting the threads in one direction.
- Keep twisting. Continue to twist consistently in the same direction.
- Once you've twisted enough, the cord will start twisting on itself, so you need to keep pulling on the cord.
- With loose end firmly held in one hand, I grabbed the midpoint of the thread and folded the twisted cord in half, still pulling.
- It will naturally twist on itself and make a nice looking twisted cord.
- Tie a knot at the end to keep the twisted cord in shape.
Now use it on a cute pouch. I even have a tutorial how to thread a drawstring cord - take a look!
What materials to use for making twisted cord
If you need a sturdier cord, you might want to try thicker material, thick wool works great. But there are so many types of materials you can use, basically anything that you have at hand: yarn, six-strand floss, pearl cotton, metallic fibers or even thin cord as base.
What length of floss to use for a usable finished cord length?
A general rule of thumb is to use a length of floss or yarn that is at least three times the desired length of the finished cord. So if you want a finished cord that is 12 inches long, you would need to use a length of floss that is at least 36 inches long.
How To Use diy twisted cord
And if you're wondering what to use the twisted cord for, there are so many other uses than just the drawstring bags:
- make friendship bracelets with a twisted cord
- You can use the cord as hanging for your holiday ornaments.
- You can make tassels, or
- diy twisted cord necklaces, or
- even a jump rope if you use really thick materials.
I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial on how to make a twisted cord. Save to Pinterest for later use:
Print Steps
How To Make Twisted Cord
Easy tutorial on how to make twisted cord - or drawstring cord, or even yarn rope, depending on what materials you use. Have fun!
Materials
- thread, embroidery floss, thin rope, or yarn
Tools
- a hook or a piece of tape to fix one end, temporarily.
Instructions
- I cut 5 strands of single thread embroidery floss in the same color.
- I placed all 5 threads together on the table so they were all lined up,
- and tied a knot at one end to keep them secured together.
- then I tied the knot side on a fixed hook to hold it firm and steady.
- Pulling on the other end of the threads, I started twisting the threads in one direction.
- Keep twisting. Continue to twist consistently in the same direction.
- Once you've twisted enough, the cord will start twisting on itself, so you need to keep pulling on the cord.
- With loose end firmly held in one hand, I grabbed the midpoint of the thread and folded the twisted cord in half, still pulling.
- It will naturally twist on itself and make a nice-looking twisted cord.
Sharon
When we were stationed in England I learned to make these from a British friend! I used to use two colors of yarn to make pretty hair ties for my daughter to match her outfits. (She is now 46!!)
Jo Ann
Great tutorial! Can you suggest the cut length of floss needed to make a usable size cord?
Damjana
Jo Ann hi, a great question. As a rule of thumb, you'll need it to be three times the desired finished length. Hope this helps,