Usually I use flax instead of hemp, but I think that both materials have quite similar qualities. The diameter depends on the number of strings you braid. For the start I had good experiences with a cord woven from three or six 2-mm strings. I would not braid more than six strings otherwise the cord becomes too thick. Braiding with ten strings of 2-mm diameter might become very thick.  If you have 1-mm strings you can take them double. That might be even smoother to work with than  2-mm strings.
3-mm strings seem to me to be too stiff for smooth braiding work. This diameter might be already enough to use this single string as the cord itself. At the end of the day it is a matter of trial. Just go for it.

funda iucunda

Rockman, I still think in inches, but i'm sure you can translate. 1/16" - 6 to 8 doubled. 1/8" - 4 doubled. Let me know if you would like some walmart hemp. Store is just up the street a bit. It goes for just under $4 a ball.

walter

Masiakasaurus wrote on Mar 25^th, 2010 at 9:22am:


Where are you getting flax?

walter

Thanks Masiakasaurus. I definately going to check that out.

walter