Nesting cord single-coloured
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Item out of stock
- Item out of stock
- Item out of stock
What is a drawstring – and why is it plain?
A drawstring – also known as a cord or simply a tie – is a braided or knotted cord that was used in the Middle Ages to fasten clothing. It replaced buttons and hooks wherever there were eyelets, slits or lacing holes: on shirts, sleeves, bodices, corsets and shoes. The term derives from the Middle High German ‘nestel’ and, in the broadest sense, refers to anything that laces or ties. A related term is ‘nestel tip’: the metal or sewn end that makes it easier to thread through narrow eyelets.
Single-colour lacing cords are the simplest and most commonly used variant. Unlike two-colour lacing cords with a striped pattern, they do not distract from the overall outfit – they blend in, complement the colour scheme of the garment and thus appear more authentic, particularly in serious re-enactment. If you want lacing that is as inconspicuous as possible, choose a colour for the lacing cord that matches the fabric or the trim – and you’ll be on the safer side historically.
Hand-knotted vs. machine-made – an overview of the differences
In this category, you’ll find two production methods that differ both visually and in price. Which one suits you depends on your performance requirements and budget.
- Made according to historical models
- Slightly irregular, lively texture
- Sturdy, dense knots thanks to handcrafted production
- Looks more authentic at re-enactment events
- All hand-knotted variants made from 100% cotton or mulberry silk
- Even, clean texture
- Affordable entry-level price – ideal for larger quantities
- Well suited for LARP, costume events and beginners
- Also made from 100% cotton
- Colourfast and dimensionally stable thanks to machine production
The difference is not only visible but also noticeable: hand-knotted cords have a characteristic texture that cannot be precisely reproduced by machine. Anyone expecting a critical eye at medieval markets or re-enactment gatherings should opt for the hand-knotted version.
Materials: cotton and mulberry silk
All laces in this category are made exclusively from natural materials – no synthetic fibres, no artificial silk. This is a conscious decision that makes all the difference in authentic re-enactments.
| Material | Suitability | Special feature | Price / 10 cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton (machine-made) | LARP / Beginners | Even texture, robust, washable | approx. €0.21 |
| Cotton (hand-knotted) | Reenactment | Historical model, slightly irregular texture | approx. €0.34 |
| Mulberry silk (hand-knotted) | Courtly representation | Fine lustre, historically documented for noble attire | approx. €0.42 |
Mulberry silk is the highest-quality option in the range. It is finer, has a slight sheen and goes particularly well with fine garments made of brocade, fine linen or woollen fabrics. Historically, silk was a status symbol – accordingly, a silk cord is suitable for portraying courtly or noble figures. For the lower classes of the Middle Ages, such as craftsmen or peasants, cotton is the more appropriate choice.
Choosing the right length: 10 cm – and then what?
All items in this category are listed in 10-cm units – the price refers to 10 cm of cord, not to a finished total length. This gives you maximum flexibility: you simply order the amount you actually need and specify the desired total length in increments of 10.
As a guide for common uses:
- Shirt lacing at the collar: approx. 60–80 cm → 6–8 units
- Sleeve lacing: approx. 40–60 cm per sleeve → 4–6 units
- Bustier or corset: approx. 150–200 cm → 15–20 units
- Shoe lacing (single): approx. 60–100 cm → 6–10 units
- Decorative cord or bag strap: from 30 cm, as required
When ordering, it’s best to be a little generous: Nestel cords can be shortened, but reordering takes time. If you want to lace up several garments in the same colour, it’s best to order in bulk – the price per metre remains attractive for larger quantities.
Applications: Where are plain-coloured lacing cords used?
The most classic application: lacing cords fasten shirts at the collar and sleeves, close bodices and corsets, and connect the sleeve sections to the body of the garment. On medieval shirts in particular, a lacing cord in a matching colour is the crucial finishing touch that completes the overall look. For corsets, a slightly sturdier cord is recommended – the hand-knotted cotton version is the first choice here.
Historical medieval shoes were not fastened with modern laces, but with cord or narrow leather straps. A single-colour cord in brown or black suits most leather shoes and, in the correct length, is almost indistinguishable from a historical model. Those who prefer a particularly authentic look can combine the cord with a brass tip for threading.
Lace cords serve not only a functional purpose but also a decorative one: as a decorative cord on a belt, as a bag strap on a medieval pouch, or as a coloured accent band on a garment. Bold colours such as red, royal blue or green provide a deliberate colour accent – matching trims or other decorative elements of the clothing.
Requirements vary depending on the context: in LARP, durability is paramount – the cord must withstand intense movement and frequent tying and untying. Here, the machine-made version is a sensible choice. In re-enactment and at medieval markets, the emphasis is on historically accurate materials and appearance – in such cases, the hand-knotted version made from cotton or mulberry silk is recommended.
Colours and their historical significance
Single-colour lacing cords are available in a wide range of colours: brown, black, red, sky blue, royal blue, turquoise blue, green, white, off-white, yellow, purple and light grey. This means you can find the right colour for almost any garment and fabric.
In the Middle Ages, colours in clothing were not merely an aesthetic choice – they held social and symbolic significance. Red stood for wealth and power, as red dyes derived from kermes or madder were costly to produce. Blue was considered the colour of loyalty and piety. Black was often a sign of dignity or mourning, whilst green stood for youth and spring. The lower classes frequently wore undyed or natural-coloured fabrics – off-white or light grey are therefore historically particularly authentic for depictions from the early or High Middle Ages.
Anyone wishing to learn more about colour symbolism in the Middle Ages will also find suitable braids and other trimmings in the haberdashery section to harmoniously complete the colour scheme of the garment. The simplest rule of thumb: choose the colour of the lacing cord so that it either matches the fabric exactly (and thus almost disappears) or picks up on one of the existing accent colours of the braid.
Goes well with: cord ends and other haberdashery accessories
Single-colour lacing cords are a small detail with a big impact – choose the material, colour and length to match your costume, and you’ll have an authentic solution for any lacing on a shirt, bodice, shoe or bag.
Frequently asked questions
For a typical bodice or corset, you’ll need approx. 150–200 cm of lacing cord. As the items are listed in 10-cm units, simply order 15–20 units. It’s best to allow for a little extra, as the cord can be shortened but not lengthened.
Hand-knotted lacing cords (approx. €0.34/10 cm) are made according to historical models and have a slightly irregular, authentic texture. Machine-made versions (approx. €0.21/10 cm) are more uniform and cheaper – well suited for LARP or as a starter option. Both versions are made from 100% cotton.
Mulberry silk cord is the highest-quality option (approx. €0.42/10 cm). It has a subtle sheen and was historically reserved for the fabrics and garments of the nobility. It pairs particularly well with high-quality garments made from brocade or fine linen and is suitable for portraying courtly or noble figures.
There are essentially two approaches: either choose a colour that matches the fabric so that the cord is barely noticeable, or pick up on an accent colour from the trimmings or embellishments. For simple, historically accurate portrayals of the lower classes, off-white, light grey and brown are particularly suitable.
Yes, this is a recommended combination. Brass cord ends are crimped onto the end of the cord and make it much easier to thread through tight eyelets. This is also the cheaper alternative to ready-made cord ends with pre-fitted tips – and you can choose the colour and length of the cord freely.