How to Crochet a Romanian Cord - Photo Tutorial + VIDEO

If you’ve ever seen a thick, rounded cord outlining Irish lace motifs or forming elegant swirls on a garment, that’s most likely a Romanian cord. It’s also called Romanian point cord. It looks intricate and almost braided, but once you understand the movement, it becomes surprisingly meditative.

This cord is sturdy, slightly elastic, and beautifully structured. You can use it for lace outlines, drawstrings, straps, bag handles, belts, decorative edging, or even as a design element stitched onto fabric.

Let’s break it down in a clear way.

What You’ll Need

• Any yarn. Cotton gives a crisp shape, wool feels softer, blends work great too.
• A hook that matches your yarn. If you want a firmer cord, go half a size smaller.
• Scissors and a yarn needle for finishing.

That’s it. No special tools.

For the samle shown here, I used Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/8 yarn and a 4 mm crochet hook (US G-6). 

The Structure in Simple Terms

A Romanian cord is built from:

• 2 foundation chains
• 1 single crochet
• Then repeating: turn clockwise, insert the hook into the side bars of the previous stitch, make 1 single crochet

You’re not working into the top loops like usual. You’re working into the side of the stitch you just made. That’s what creates the rounded, rope-like look.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chain 2. Work 1 single crochet into the 1st chain. Now you have one stitch. It will look tiny and unimpressive. That’s normal.

Turn your work clockwise. But instead of turning your whole work like in rows, rotate the small piece slightly clockwise (if you’re right-handed). You’ll see two little vertical strands along the side of the stitch you just made (shown with yarn needle).

Those two strands are your new insertion point.

Insert your hook under both of those side strands. Yarn over. Pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through both loops.

You’ve just made another single crochet - but sideways.

That’s it. That’s the entire logic.

After each stitch:

• Rotate clockwise.
• Insert under the two side strands of the previous stitch.
• Make 1 single crochet.

As you repeat this motion, the cord begins to form. After 5–6 stitches, you’ll clearly see the rounded structure developing.

Keep going until your cord reaches the desired length.

Tension Tips

If your cord looks flat: Your tension may be too loose. Try tightening slightly or using a smaller hook.

If it’s stiff and hard: You might be pulling too tight. Relax your hands a bit.

Romanian cord works best with consistent tension. Not tight. Not floppy. Just steady.

How to Finish

When your cord is long enough:

• Cut the yarn.
• Pull through the last loop.
• Weave in the end neatly along the cord’s path.

If you’re attaching it to lace or fabric, leave a long tail for sewing.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Working into the top loops instead of the side bars
That turns it into a regular narrow strip, not a cord.

Forgetting to rotate
The slight turn is essential. Without it, you won’t see the structure clearly.

Inserting into only one strand instead of two
You need both side bars for the proper rounded shape.

Where You Can Use Romanian Cord

• Irish crochet lace outlines
• Freeform crochet shapes
• Decorative surface designs
• Bag straps
• Belts
• Drawstrings
• Jewelry cords
• Structured ties on garments

It’s especially beautiful when sewn into curved motifs.

A Small Pro Tip

After finishing your cord, gently stretch it between your hands. This evens out the stitches and enhances the rounded look. Steam blocking also works beautifully with natural fibers.

 

🎥 Watch the step-by-step video tutorial below and crochet along with me!

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