Kordeln 6 mm
A 6 mm cord is the everyday choice for hoods, waistband casings and bag closures. It is substantial enough not to cut into the fabric or the hand when pulled tight, yet slim enough to pass through most eyelets, grommets and cord stoppers. If you sew matching sets, the same cord can tie together a hoodie, a pair of joggers and a drawstring bag.
To thread a cord, attach a safety pin or a bodkin to one end and feed it through the channel a little at a time. Pin or hold the free end so it cannot disappear inside the casing. Knot the ends, add cord ends or caps, or stitch across the channel at the centre back to keep everything in place.
Braided and twisted cords fray differently once cut. A tidy finish comes from knotting, whipping the end with thread, adding metal or plastic cord ends, or carefully sealing the tip where the material allows – always test on an offcut first. For children's garments, remember that drawstrings in hoods are not permitted on clothing for small children; stitched-on decorative cords, ribbing or loops are the safe alternative there, while bags and totes are no problem.
A 6 mm cord is the everyday choice for hoods, waistband casings and bag closures. It is substantial enough not to cut into the fabric or the hand when pulled tight, yet slim enough to pass through most eyelets, grommets and cord stoppers. If you sew matching sets, the same cord can tie together a hoodie, a pair of joggers and a drawstring bag.
To thread a cord, attach a safety pin or a bodkin to one end and feed it through the channel a little at a time. Pin or hold the free end so it cannot disappear inside the casing. Knot the ends, add cord ends or caps, or stitch across the channel at the centre back to keep everything in place.
Braided and twisted cords fray differently once cut. A tidy finish comes from knotting, whipping the end with thread, adding metal or plastic cord ends, or carefully sealing the tip where the material allows – always test on an offcut first. For children's garments, remember that drawstrings in hoods are not permitted on clothing for small children; stitched-on decorative cords, ribbing or loops are the safe alternative there, while bags and totes are no problem.
Good to know
What is a 6 mm cord best used for?
Hood drawstrings on hoodies, casings in joggers and skirts, drawstring bags, project pouches and totes. The thickness feels good in the hand, does not cut in when pulled tight and fits through most standard eyelets and cord stoppers.
Will this cord fit my eyelets and cord stoppers?
Check the inner diameter of your eyelets and the opening of the stopper. Both should measure at least 6 mm, ideally a little more so the cord runs smoothly. If you pass the cord through a stopper twice, allow extra room accordingly.
How do I stop the ends from fraying?
Knots, cord ends or metal caps are the quickest options. You can also whip the end with thread or wrap it in a narrow strip of fabric. Whether the tip can be heat sealed depends on the material, so always test on a spare piece first.
Can I use cords on children's clothing?
Drawstrings in hoods and around the neck are not allowed on garments for small children for safety reasons. Use flat stitched-on decorative cords, ribbing or press studs instead. For drawstring bags and totes, cords are perfectly fine.
How much cord do I need for a hood?
Measure the casing on your pattern and add extra at both ends for pulling and tying. It is easier to cut generously and trim afterwards than to find the cord is a few centimetres short once it is threaded.
What is the easiest way to thread the cord?
Fasten a safety pin or bodkin to one end and work it through the channel bit by bit, gathering and smoothing the fabric as you go. Secure the loose end with a pin so it cannot be pulled into the casing.