Hemp cord is made of the bast fiber (or outer bark) of the hemp plant. It is grown organically, so there is no need for pesticides and fertilizer usage. Hemp fibers are naturally strong, durable, and resistant to UV light, mold, and mildew. It is completely biodegradable, which is a great alternative to synthetic products like nylon or polyester.
As hemp cord performs excellently in jewelry making, it is a very popular choice in crafting. Moreover, it makes attractive and very firm knots. The fiber is round in nature, so it is easy to work with and does not cut hands while handling it. It can be used in many exciting ways in all sorts of projects and crafts.
The most common size for jewelry making is #20 size (approximately 1mm in diameter) and #48 (1.8 mm in diameter). The “#” refers to pounds, which indicates that the cord has the test strength of holding 20 or 48 pounds before it will weaken and eventually break.
Some new production techniques resulted in a softer hemp cord that comes in an array of vibrant colors. Some cords even come finished with a waxed coating to eliminate stray fibers, enhance the bright colors of the cord, and maintain the strand consistency. In contrast, others are left unfinished for a more earthy and rustic feel.