Types of Cord: Braided, Twisted & Paracord
Types of Cord; How braided, twisted, paracord and elastic cord are built — and which to choose for your product.
QUICK ANSWER
Cord is round textile rope. The main types are braided cord (interlaced, strong and smooth), twisted cord (twisted plies, decorative and economical), paracord (braided sheath over inner strands, high-strength), and elastic cord (a stretch core in a braided cover). Choose by strength, stretch and finish.
We braid and twist cord in Bağcılar, Istanbul — elastic cord, paracord, PP cord and round cord all come off our machines. This guide explains how each construction is built and where it performs, so you specify the right one. All Tekiş cord is produced under OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (No: 2019OK0492).
What are the main types of cord?
- Braided cord — yarns interlaced around a core or hollow centre. Smooth, holds its shape, strong with low stretch. The all-round choice for drawstrings and packaging.
- Twisted cord — two or more plies twisted together. Softer and decorative, more economical, but can untwist at a raw cut end. Common for trim and hoodie drawcords.
- Paracord — a braided nylon sheath over several inner strands; rated by strength (e.g. 550 ≈ 250 kg). Outdoor and craft use — covered in detail in Paracord Uses.
- Elastic cord — a rubber or elastane core inside a braided textile cover, so it stretches and recovers. Used for masks, fastenings and bungee.
How do the cord types compare?
| Type | Construction | Stretch | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braided | Interlaced yarns | Low | Drawstrings, packaging, general |
| Twisted | Twisted plies | Low | Trim, decorative drawcords |
| Paracord | Sheath + core strands | Low | Outdoor, craft, high strength |
| Elastic | Stretch core + braid | High | Masks, bungee, fastenings |
Which cord should I choose?
- Hoodie & garment drawcords → braided or twisted, soft hand, 3–8 mm.
- Bags & packaging → braided cord, smooth and strong.
- Outdoor, survival, craft → paracord.
- Masks, fastenings, bungee → elastic cord.
What diameters and materials are available?
What diameters and materials are available?
What is the difference between braided and twisted cord?
Braided cord is made by interlacing yarns, so it is stronger, smoother and holds its shape. Twisted cord is plies twisted together — softer and more decorative, but it can untwist at a raw cut end.
What is the strongest cord?
For its size, paracord — a braided nylon sheath over inner strands — offers the highest strength. A 550 paracord holds around 250 kg. Braided polyester and nylon cords are also strong for general use.
Does cord stretch?
Only elastic cord stretches, thanks to its rubber core. Braided, twisted and paracord have low stretch and are chosen for strength and shape rather than give.
What is elastic cord used for?
Face masks, drawstrings and fastenings, bungee and packaging — anywhere a thin round cord needs to stretch and spring back.
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