# Best Macrame Beads With Large Holes Source: https://cordandknot.com/best/best-macrame-beads Publisher: Cord and Knot. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://cordandknot.com/how-we-pick The usual problem with macrame beads is the hole: a bead chosen for its looks will not slide over the cord. As a rule the hole should be about 1 to 2 mm wider than the cord. For 3mm macrame cord that means about 4 mm at minimum and 5 mm for comfort; for 4mm cord about 5 mm and 6 mm; for 5mm cord about 6 mm and 7 to 8 mm. Two strands through one bead need a wider hole still, and several sets here have 10 mm holes. Wooden beads also differ in outer size, in shape (round, barrel, tube), in finish (unfinished wood that can be painted or stained, dyed colors, varnish) and in count per pack. This guide compares six sets of wooden beads that state the hole diameter in the listing, by bead size, hole, finish and count, using only what each listing states. Nothing was tested. If a bead is a tight fit on a plant hanger or wall hanging, tape the cord end to a point before threading. ## Picks ### 1. BUXIMN 20 mm Large Hole Wooden Beads for Crafts - Hole 10 mm, 4 Colors Round Wooden Craft Beads for Macrame DIY Jewelry Making Home Decor (100 PCS) Bead size: 20 mm round; Hole: 10 mm; Finish: Dyed, 4 colors; Count: 100 One hundred 20 mm round wooden beads with a 10 mm (0.39 in) hole, 25 each in beige, dark coffee, light coffee and black. The hole is wide enough for 5mm cord or for two strands of thinner cord. What the listing offers: - Each bead measures 20 mm in diameter with a 10 mm (0.39 in) hole, stated in both units. - The color split is stated: 25 beads each in beige, dark coffee, light coffee and black. - The listing names macrame and plant holders among the uses and describes a polished surface with no burrs. Limits to know: - The beads are already dyed and painted, so this is not a set for staining to your own color. - The type of wood is not stated in the listing. ### 2. WILLBOND 130 Pcs Macrame Wooden Beads 10mm Hole,Wood Color, Classic Bead size: 20 x 15 and 30 x 20 mm; Hole: 10 mm; Finish: Varnished, wood color; Count: 130 A 130-piece set in two shapes, 100 round beads and 30 tube beads, all with a 10 mm hole and a varnished wood-color surface. It suits plant hangers and wall hangings that mix two bead shapes. What the listing offers: - Two shapes come in one pack: 100 round beads of 20 x 15 mm and 30 tube beads of 30 x 20 mm. - Both shapes have a 10 mm inner hole, wide enough for 5mm cord or for two strands of thinner cord. - The listing says the surface of each bead is sealed with varnish, which gives a glossy finish. Limits to know: - The varnish seal means these beads are not suited to staining or dyeing to another color. - Only 30 of the 130 beads are the longer tube shape, and the type of wood is not stated. ### 3. 100pcs 20mm Wood Beads -Hole 10mm for Macrame Projects, Large Hole Unfinished Natural Wooden Beads for Craft/Home Decor Bead size: 20 mm; Hole: 10 mm; Finish: Unfinished natural; Count: 100 One hundred unfinished natural wooden beads of about 20 mm with a hole of about 10 mm. A plain pack for macrame projects where the beads are left natural or painted to match the cord. What the listing offers: - The listing states beads of approximately 20 mm with a hole of about 10 mm in diameter. - The beads are unfinished and, per the listing, ready to paint, decorate, stain or leave plain. - The pack holds 100 beads, and the title names macrame projects as the intended use. Limits to know: - One size only: every bead is about 20 mm with the same 10 mm hole. - The listing is short: the type of wood and the bead shape are not described beyond 'smooth'. ### 4. 200Pcs Large Hole Barrel Wood Loose Beads Hair Braid Beads for Jewelry Bead size: 16 x 16-17 mm barrel; Hole: 7 to 8 mm; Finish: Dyed, 4 colors; Count: 200 Two hundred barrel-shaped wooden beads about 16 mm long and 16 to 17 mm wide with a 7 to 8 mm hole, 50 each in black, light brown, ivory and coconut brown. The hole range is a comfortable fit for one strand of 5mm cord. What the listing offers: - The hole is stated as about 7 to 8 mm, the comfortable range for a single strand of 5mm macrame cord. - The pack is split evenly: 50 beads in each of four dyed colors, 200 in total. - The listing states solid wood and names hemp macrame rope among the cords the beads are drilled for. Limits to know: - The hole is given as a range, so some beads may sit at the 7 mm end, and two strands of 4mm cord may not fit. - The listing presents these mainly as hair braid and jewelry beads; macrame is mentioned only in passing. ### 5. Pndeyo 60pcs Large Hole Wooden Beads for Crafts, 19.2x15.5mm, 6 Colors Bead size: 19.2 x 15.5 mm; Hole: 9.5 mm; Finish: 6 colors; Count: 60 Sixty wooden beads of 19.2 x 15.5 mm with a 9.5 mm (0.37 in) hole, ten each in dark coffee, beige, black, wood color, blue and coffee. A small mixed-color pack for accents on a few pieces. What the listing offers: - Bead and hole sizes are given in both units: 15.5 x 19.2 mm (0.61 x 0.75 in) with a 9.5 mm (0.37 in) hole. - Six colors are included, ten beads of each, with blue and black alongside the wood tones. - The listing describes a large hole design that fiber ropes and leather cords pass through. Limits to know: - A small pack: 60 beads in total and only ten of each color. - The listing describes a hair braid bead and does not name macrame; the type of wood is not stated. ### 6. 400Pcs Large Hole Wooden Craft Beads 12x11mm Natural Barrel Wood Loose Bead Bead size: 12 x 11 mm barrel; Hole: 5 mm; Finish: Painted, mixed colors; Count: 400 Four hundred small barrel wooden beads about 12 mm long and 11 mm wide with a 5 mm hole, in white, brown and dark brown tones. The hole suits 3mm macrame cord; the bead size suits keychains and fringe accents. What the listing offers: - The listing states a 5 mm hole, the comfortable size for a single strand of 3mm macrame cord. - At 400 pieces this is the largest pack in the guide, with beads about 12 mm long and 11 mm wide. - The listing states natural wood with a painted, glossy surface in white, brown and dark brown. Limits to know: - A 5 mm hole is only the minimum for 4mm cord and too small for 5mm cord; two strands of 3mm cord need a wider hole. - The colors are listed loosely as 'white, brown, dark brown etc', with no count per color. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.