A Brief History of Cotton Wax Cord

For makers of jewelry, cotton wax cord is a very important piece of kit, because it is versatile, durable and lightweight. Jewelry makers can use cotton wax cord to create simple yet effective jewelry which can be worn on a daily basis, whatever activity you are doing. Many jewelry makers actually make their very first piece of jewelry using cotton wax cord, because it is very easy to work with, and it is inexpensive to buy large quantities of it. Here are some interesting facts about it:

The History of Cotton Wax Cord

Cotton wax cord was originally invented in the 15^th century by mariners who realized that if they rubbed fish oil onto normal cotton, then the result was a water resistant piece of cotton, which would keep them dry on the stormy seas. After a while, these sailors realized that if they oiled cotton threads before they were woven into fabrics, in order to make thin cotton wax cord, they would be able to weave this cord into many different types of hardy fabric which needed to be water resistant. This idea was very popular in Scotland in the 17^th and 18^th Century. Although clothing which was made out of cotton wax cord was very effective at first, its effectiveness decreased the longer the item of clothing was worn for. Items of clothing which were designed for long term use would have to be regularly re-waxed.

The use of pre-waxed fibers and cotton wax cord in the clothing industry began to decline as scientific breakthroughs in fabric technology allowed clothing manufactures to make clothes with a higher degree of water resistance, as well as having other desirable qualities such as lightweight fabric, which was wind proof as well as being very warm. Nowadays, cotton wax cord is rarely used in the clothing manufacture industry, but cotton wax cord has found popularity in other industries. 

Cotton Wax Cord in Jewelry Making

In modern times, cotton wax cord has found a firm place in the hearts of amateur jewelry makers. Many jewelry making starter kits include large bundles of cotton wax cord in a variety of different thicknesses and colors. The thickest cords can be used to create simple beaded necklaces, bracelets or anklets. The wax on the cotton wax cord means that the beads do not stick in place, and the cotton is not affected if the wearer of the jewelry item is caught out in the rain, or accidentally wears the item in the shower.

One popular item which can be made using different colors of cotton wax cord is known as a friendship bracelet. Friendship bracelets are made by braiding three different colors of cord together in a long enough strand to fit around the recipient's wrist or ankle. They are often made by children, and they are traditionally given from one person to another to signify everlasting friendship. They can even be designed with your friend's favorite colors in minds, or the colors of your favorite sports team. 

Cotton wax cord has had a long and varied history, but now the popularity of cotton wax cord is helping jewelry makers the whole world over!

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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