Cord Preparation
Cord preparation is a vital step in any Macrame project. Before I learned how to treat the strands so they didn’t unravel, messy frayed ends frustrated me. Twisted cord, in particular, came apart every time I used it. Then I learned a few simple techniques that taught me how to prevent the problem. After you cut all your cords to the proper length, use any of the following techniques.
			My personal favorite is using candle wax to coat the ends of the cords. Obtain a jar candle, preferably white or the same color as the cords. Light the candle and let the wax melt for a while. Blow the candle out. Dip the ends of the Macrame cords in the liquid wax. I usually bundle a group of them, then dip them all together. Hold them above the jar to let the excess wax drip off. Allow the cords to cool. If they stick together, pull them apart gently.
			Another way to prepare cords is to apply glue to the ends. There are specific types available for this process. You can also use liquid puzzle glue, or household glue diluted with water. Put some in a bowl, and dip the ends. Glue doesn’t dry as fast as wax, so you need to hang the cords over something while they dry.
Someone told me they prefer to use nail polish to treat the ends of cords. I’ve never tried this myself, but I bet it works just as well as glue. You can dip the ends, or lay the cords on a work surface and paint the nail polish on them.
			You can apply cellophane or masking tape to the ends as a temporary measure to prevent unraveling. This technique is especially useful if using twisted cord rather than braided. When you are at the end of the project and tying the finishing knots, just cut off the portion with the tape.
Another easy method to prepare cords is to tie a knot at the end. I do this often, since I can simply cut off the knot in the final steps. The best knots to use are the Overhand knot, the Barrel knot, and the Matthew Walker knot.
There are other, riskier, methods used for cord preparation. For example, burning or melting the ends has been suggested in some books I’ve read. Fire and cords don’t mix, in my mind, since most are made of flammable materials. I’m very safety conscious, so I don’t use these risky methods myself. If you wish to do so, that’s fine, but be careful!

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