Making custom colored cording is a simple process and the results can be utilized in home decor and costuming. The process is quick and simple so gather some embroidery thread, an eye hook, and a drill.

Step 1: Supplies

Stuff:
Drill
Eye Hook, Cup Hook, or sturdy wire
Embroidery thread (typically, a six-strand thread that's a craft staple) in the colors of your choice
Scissors

The embroidery thread comes in a variety of materials: satin, linen, cotton, silk, and rayon so there is a wide selection available.

Step 2: Preparing the Drill

The basic idea here is that you will be twisting the thread in one direction and then getting it to twist back onto itself to form the cord. If you twist it sufficiently tightly, the resultant cord will hold its shape. You CAN twist it by hand but that's time-consuming and hard on you. Instead, you'll be using a drill.

An eye hook is ideal but if you have a cup hook, grab some pliers and close the loop. Or, if you are using wire, form a loop in the middle and twist the ends together. Clamp the hook or wire into the shank of your drill and tighten it so it doesn't spin in the shank.

Step 3: Preparing the Thread

Select the colors of thread you will be using. Measure out a strand about two times the length of cord you will be wanting in each two colors of thread. To make the cord more substantial, I quadrupled the thickness of the embroidery thread before cutting to length. You may want more or less thread, depending on the look you are going for.

Tie the two colors together at one end, keeping the other ends apart. Use a good sturdy knot. Now you have a very long cord that's tied in the middle.

I used two colors so that the contrast in pictures is good. You can use all one color or mix-up several colors. The great thing about this is the ability to experiment.

Step 4: Ready...

Find a space that's big enough to stretch out your thread.

Tie one end of the thread to a stable object (or at least one that won't move easily.) Tie the other end to the hook on your drill. Use sturdy knots!

Holding the drill, stand away from the other end of the thread with the thread loose.

Step 5: Set...

Run the drill. As you run it, the thread will pull tighter. Once it gets taut, try to keep it taut and move forward as it tightens up. Periodically test your thread by turning off the drill and seeing how tightly wound it is by scooting forward a bit and seeing how easily it wraps around itself. When the thread has shortened up somewhat and curls over onto itself tightly, it should be ready.

Step 6: Go!

Grab hold of the knot in the center and, keeping it pulled out taut, move the drill toward the other end of the thread. Now you will need to allow the knot to spin in a somewhat controlled manner. It will curl around on itself as you let the knot spin. If it starts to curl funny, just use your fingers to pull it out and let it spin some more. Most weird twists can be circumvented by using your fingers to pull them out.

Once it's turned into cord, tie the loose ends together and cut it free.

NOTE: If the final product will not have the ends encased in something or tied in knots, a bit of glue will help prevent this.