What it is & How to get it
Barbed cord can be one of those items that you never knew existed until you were put in charge of finding it. Also refered to as "cord in between barbs" or "barbed fasteners", barbed cord is mainly used to complete a promotional or packaging related item. You may need barbed cord if you are trying to bind, fasten or hang your items.
Learn the barbed cord basics and how it could be the perfect solution for your project.
The Barbs
Barbs can be made with silver or gold plated metal, or clear plastic. They are usually about 5/8 inch to 7/8 inch long and can come with studded or pointy edges. The barb is usually fed through a hole small enough to keep the cord from coming back out.
In Between The Barbs
What usually defines the use of barbed cord is the material in between the barbs. The cord can be made of elastic, twisted cord, braided cord or even ribbon. Sometimes the cord is looped and has just one barb on the end.
Elastic Cord
Elastic in between barbs is used for binding and fastening items; usually menus, books, folders, portfolios and masks. Elastic can come in widths ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch round and 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch flat.
Barbed cord used to bind menus typically comes in a thicker round elastic. The barbs are fed through holes at the top and bottom of the menu to bind it and fasten any inserts. Portfolio manufactures often use elastic barbed cord to secure portfolio and folder closing flaps. An elastic loop with barb can also be used.
Flat elastic is often used to bind book covers. It is also good for securing small items like pens and jewelry.
Cotton-coated barbed cord is popular for completing masks. The soft cotton coating on these items make a mask more comfortable to wear.
Braided Cord
Braided cord in between barbs is commonly called “mobile cord”. Not to be confused with a mobile phone charger, a mobile cord is used to hang mobiles. These mobiles are usually promotional items hung from the ceiling. Mobile cord is made by braiding rayon cord and then clamping on the barbs. They can also come with ceiling clips.
Twisted Rayon Cord
Twisted rayon barbed cord are used to decoratively complete items. They are good for hanging items like calendars and consumer goods. Rayon cord widths range from about 2mm to over 1/8 inch thick.
Twisted barbed cords are also used as bag handles. They can be custom made in many different sizes and color combinations. When looking to buy custom twisted barbed cord, be sure to include sufficient lead time for the manufacturing of the items, especially if the color is something other than black or white.
Ribbon
Ribbon in between barbs can be an alternative to twisted cord. Barbed ribbon may come in widths of 3/8, 5/8 and 7/8 inches. Satin, grosgrain and sheer are the most popular types of ribbon used with barbs. Choose from hundreds of different colors. Barbed ribbon is also custom made.
Finding Barbed Cord
Finding the right barbed cord solution to a project can be very difficult. Finish Line Custom Finishing Inc. is a direct supplier of barbed cord and can help you find the best solution to finishing your project.