Mandala Crafts 2mm Black Waxed Cord, Jewelry Making, 109 Yard

A note from John, the maker of HorseshoeCrosses:
I use Mandala Crafts 2mm waxed cord on my own handmade horseshoe nail crosses. To me, it's the sweet spot for cords: soft, strong and easy to work with. Watch my review in the product video to see it up close.

Brand: Mandala Crafts

Color: Black

Highlights:

• Soft, lightly waxed 2mm cotton cord. It has just enough wax to hold a knot without feeling tacky. It's softer than polyester, linen or Korean waxed cord, and less sticky than waxed hemp twine. Works well for jewelry cording, macrame and beading.
• Made for necklaces. Use it for sliding-knot adjustable necklaces, surf-style rope necklaces, pendant cords, mala cords, chokers and lanyards.
• Strong enough for bracelets. This thin black cord holds up better than leather for friendship and Kumihimo bracelets. It's gentle on skin, so it also works for anklets, waist beads and earrings.
• A go-to craft string. Use it for micro macrame, braiding, weaving, dream catchers, wind chimes and bottle wrapping. It also works for scrapbooking, journals, bookmarks, keychains, bag ties and even shoelaces.
• A big 109-yard roll. The cord is 3-ply, 100% cotton and continuous. It doesn't stretch, it's colorfast so it won't bleed, and it resists fraying; you can heat-seal the ends. It's easy to cut, tie, knot or glue.

Model number: 4336807095

Part number: 811096030763

Package size: 3.5 x 3.4 x 3.3 inches

Why I Picked It

I've been handmaking horseshoe nail cross necklaces since the early 2000s, and this is the cord I use on them. When you make crosses by the thousands, cord isn't a small detail. It has to look good, hold up to everyday wear, and come in a quantity that makes sense.

I used to buy cord at the big hobby and craft stores. The cord there wasn't as good quality, and it only came in small amounts. A 10-yard pack usually ran me about $4. This Mandala cord is about $10 for 109 yards.

Here's the math: at craft-store prices, 109 yards would cost over $40. That makes Mandala about a quarter of the price per yard, and it's better cord.

Good for: cross and pendant necklaces, key chains, beading and other jewelry projects
Things to know: 2mm thickness, black waxed finish, 109 yards on one roll, so you won't run out halfway through a project
My verdict: If you make jewelry regularly, buying cord in bulk online is the smart move, and this is the cord I trust on my own handmade crosses.

— John, HorseshoeCrosses, handmade in Hickory, NC