Cord-making
Cord-making refers to a technique and the products made by braiding, knitting, or weaving multiple yarns to create round cord, flat cord, or decorative cord.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Cord-making is the process of combining yarns in three-dimensional or flat forms to create strings and cords. As a material name, it may also refer to round cords, flat cords, and core cords made through cord-making. It is used widely, from functional garment components to decorative components.
In catalogs and similar materials, it is also used in the sense of using a cord made by cord-making for piping applications, as in “cord piping.” On the other hand, a cord-making machine is the name of a machine that performs cord-making, and it is distinguished from cord-making itself or the name of the finished cord.
Materials and Structure
Cord-making uses yarn such as cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, and silk. Depending on the material, yarn thickness, whether it is filament yarn or spun yarn, and differences in surface finishing, gloss, softness, abrasion resistance, water absorbency, and other properties change.
The structure can broadly be divided into weaving, which crosses yarns; knitting, which continues loops; and braiding, which diagonally crosses multiple yarns. In general, braided cord easily forms a round, dense cross-section, while flat cord makes use of its flat shape for sewing attachment or knots.
A core-filled structure with a core inserted inside helps the shape hold better and is suitable for piping or decorative applications that emphasize contours. However, even with the same appearance, flexibility, ease of sewing in, and the method of finishing the ends differ depending on the structure and whether a core is present.
Checking Thickness and Specifications
Round cord and cord are generally expressed by diameter or thickness. Flat cord and tape-like items are expressed by width, and thickness should also be checked when necessary. For piping, not only the thickness of the visible cord portion but also the overall dimensions, including the seam allowance portion of the tape, are important.
When selecting specifications, in addition to the finished appearance, confirm compatibility with the inner diameter or insertion opening of cord stoppers, eyelets, button loops, and similar parts. When used for tying or drawstring applications, verify not only thickness but also slipperiness, knot retention, and elongation under tension through prototyping.
- Check the diameter or thickness of round cord.
- Check the width and thickness of flat string.
- For piping, check the cord diameter and the seam allowance dimensions separately.
- For applications that pass through fittings, confirm compatibility with the opening dimensions.
Main Applications
In apparel, it is used for hood and waist drawcords, shoulder straps, loops, decorative knots, and piping. In bags and pouches, it is used as a closure string, an auxiliary handle, or a drawstring for cinching a drawstring bag, and in interior goods and fashion accessories it also becomes a component for edge decoration and tassels.
The required performance differs by application. For cords that are pulled during use, select based on tensile strength and abrasion resistance; for applications that touch the skin, consider texture and low irritation; and for decorative applications, consider gloss, color development, and dimensionality.
Selection and Handling Precautions
Because of their structure, cord-making products may change in length or thickness under tensile load. In particular, the extent of elongation differs depending on the density of the knitting or braiding, the type of material, and whether a core is present, so determine the required length while also assuming a loaded state. Also check in advance for possible shrinkage or color transfer due to washing or moisture.
The cut ends may unravel or become fuzzy. Depending on the application and material, consider finishing methods such as sewing the ends in, attaching cord ends, or heat-sealing the ends. However, since the suitability of heat treatment differs by material, always test with offcuts.
When sewing it on, confirm that it will not be crushed by the presser foot or feed, or damaged at the stitch line. For piping, choose a presser foot and seam allowance that match the cord diameter, and it is important to verify through prototypes whether there is any lifting or waviness at curved sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cord-making and braid making?
Cord-making is a broad term referring to the act, technique, or product of manufacturing strings and cords. Braided cord often refers to a structure or product made by diagonally crossing multiple yarns. However, in distribution, the two are not always strictly distinguished.
Does cord made by cord-making shrink when washed?
The amount of shrinkage varies depending on the material, structure, dyeing, and finishing process. Some items change dimension with moisture or heat, and some become fuzzy due to friction during washing. When used in products, it is important to confirm both the cord alone and the condition after sewing under actual washing conditions.
How do you choose cord for piping applications?
Check the cord diameter you want to show in the finished product, the width of the seam allowance portion, and the flexibility that matches the thickness and stiffness of the textile. Caution is needed because thick cord can cause thin textiles to pucker. For curved or cornered areas, carry out sewing tests using the actual specifications.
