Especially if you're just starting out, I'd say not to agonize too much about getting just the right cord. Grab whatever is cheapest and fiddle around. If you're braiding and weaving, go with thin stuff around 2mm. Jute is the cheapest, but not as nice as hemp. If it comes out too bulky and clunky, use fewer strands. If it breaks or wears too thin, use more.
Paracord doesn't even have to be real paracord, either. Any synthetic kernmantle cord will do as a facsimile. I use camping cord or dollar tree junk paracord because it's way cheaper than the official super-strong fancy good stuff.
I guess the point of my sermon is to use the cheap cord to perfect your construction technique, then when you want to make something really nice, you can be more choosy about the materials.
Oh, and about paracord - it's a bit slippery, at least until it gets good and dirty. Keep that in mind if you make a split pouch out of paracord. I've frightened myself a number of times using a slippery pouch.