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Hand-made and elaborate twisted cords are by definition unique, and have numerous craft applications. All kinds of threads of all compositions and textures can be used with exciting results, and can be tailored to your own particular project. They can be used to beautiful effect within many forms of textile art and craft, such as experimental embroidery, weaving, and rope-work, or they can be an elegant way of finishing off that lovingly-crafted piece of needlework, such as a cushion or bag. Twisted cords can also be used as a thong for a pendant, or to suspend the dowel for a wallhanging.
The most common method given in craft books for making twisted cords is to fix one end of the selected threads securely and to put a pencil in the other end and twist it with your fingers until the cord is as tight as required.
This may be fine for very short cords, but what if you want an finished cord of 10, 15 or even 20 feet, which could require more than 50ft of thread? And you want to use 20 different colours and textures in it? It’s hard to gather all the threads smoothly together. When you begin to twist your arms soon get tired because it takes ages and/or the tension slips and you get cross because you want the cord to be perfect for that special cushion or bag.
The solution – use a hand drill with a hook. You could even use an electric drill – very carefully and on a low-speed setting!
The method
Hand drills can often be obtained cheaply at discount stores, markets, etc. Get a hook about 1.5 to 2 inches in size, with a very strong curve, so that the threads don’t slip off. Fix the hook into the drill chuck.
Get a piece a stiff foam such as the type used for chair seats, etc. which should be about 2 inches thick.
Cut a piece about 10 inches wide by about 15 to 20 inches long. One wrap of thread around it will give you approximately a 24 inch length. Heavy card could also be used, but foam is easier as the thread often ‘sticks’ to it.
Estimate the required length of threads required, bearing in mind the desired thickness and length of the finished cord.
Wrap each thread in succession gently around the foam, counting the number of wraps – each wrap is about 2 feet. Add a couple of extra wraps to allow for knotting and just to be sure! Remember to put a knot in the end of knitted threads such as viscose ribbon or glitter yarns, or they may unravel. Fix each length with a tiny piece of sticky tape if necessary.
When all required threads are ready, gather all the ends in your hand and tie them all in a knot. Then pull the treads through your hands slowly. The lightweight foam will bounce about easily as you gather the threads. Keep an even tension as you collect them together and tie a knot at the other end.
Fix one end, such as by closing it in a door. Loop the other end in the drill hook, and stretch out the threads until they are taut. This may necessitate standing in the garden, depending on the size of your rooms and your cord!
Turn the drill handle while keeping the threads under tension. Keep going until the cord is twisted as tightly as you require. It’s usually best to make it a little tighter than you think you need.
When you’re ready, lay the drill on the floor or on a table and weight it if necessary. Find the middle of the cord and weight this securely or put leg of a heavy-ish chair or coffee table there. Carefully release the other end of the cord from its hold and take it to the drill, ensuring the middle weight or chair leg holds it in position. Keeping tension, knot the ends together and re-weight.
Release the middle, hold it gently and let it twist. If there is any unevenness in the twist, smooth it out from the un-knotted end towards the knotted ends. It is easier to re-knot than to adjust the looped end.
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