Nesting cord two-coloured

Two-tone drawstrings combine historical function with creative expression: as far back as the Middle Ages, drawstrings were used not only to fasten clothing but also as a visible feature of the garment’s colour and style. In this category, you will find hand-knotted laces made from 100% cotton in numerous two-tone combinations – crafted according to historical models, suitable for re-enactment, LARP and medieval markets.

What is a two-tone cord?

A drawstring – also known as a lacing cord or cord – is a braided or knotted cord that served as a fastening element in medieval and early modern clothing. It fastens bodices, trousers, sleeves and collars, wherever buttons or buckles were not used. The term is derived from the Middle High German word ‘nestel’ and referred generally to ribbons or straps used for fastening.

In the case of a two-coloured cord, two colours of yarn are worked together during knotting. The result is a marbled or interwoven appearance, in which both colours are visible alternately. This principle is not a modern invention: medieval pictorial sources and preserved textile finds show coloured cords as a deliberate fashion detail, not merely as a functional utility item. Colour combinations played a particularly important role in courtly attire of the late Middle Ages and amongst the Landsknechte of the early modern period – they signalled affiliation, rank and a sense of style.

Compared to the single-colour cord, the two-colour version offers a visible colour accent that is ideally suited to heraldic representations. Anyone designing their attire in the heraldic colours of a particular house or historical group can create a harmonious overall look with the matching two-colour cord – from shoe lacing to bodice lacing.

Hand-knotted according to historical models: manufacture and material

All cord laces in this category are from our own brand, Vehi Mercatus, and are made from 100% cotton. The decision to use natural fibres is not a given: many cheaper products on the market rely on polyester or synthetic blends, which are more cost-effective but historically inaccurate and less comfortable against the skin.

The lacing is done by hand. This results in a sturdy, tear-resistant cord with the characteristic, slightly irregular texture of handmade goods – in contrast to the uniformly smooth surface of industrially produced cords. This texture aids in knotting and ensures that the lacing tips hold better and the cord does not slip out of the eyelets so easily when lacing.

The lacing cords are sold in 10-cm lengths. You can therefore conveniently order the desired total length as a multiple of this: for 1 metre, select 10 pieces; for 2 metres, select 20 pieces. This makes calculation simple and also allows you to order even the smallest quantities – practical for individual fastenings as well as for equipping entire stock groups.

Cotton as a fibre material for cord elements is historically documented in Central Europe from the late Middle Ages onwards. For early medieval depictions, linen would be the more accurate choice – however, for the period from the 13th century onwards and for the early modern era, cotton is well documented and widely accepted.

Two-tone cord vs. single-colour cord: when to choose which?

The choice between single-colour and two-colour therefore depends less on technical factors than on the historical period you are portraying and the desired stylistic effect. For a single-colour cord, you will also find a wide selection in the category of the same name. If you prefer brass tips, take a look at the ‘Two-colour cord with brass tips’ category as well.

Usage: Where and how are lacing cords used?

The classic uses for a drawstring are varied. The best-known is for lacing bodices and corsets – here, the string runs through pairs of eyelets at the front or along the side of the garment. Equally common is their use on trousers: in the Middle Ages, trouser waistbands and leggings were fastened to belts or waistcoats with lacing cords, as elastic bands and zips were not an option. Sleeves were also fastened to the outer garment or armour using lacing cords – an elegant solution, particularly for the cotte or cotehardie with side fastenings.

For easier threading, we recommend combining them with brass lacing tips. These are crimped onto the ends of the cord or bent into shape and function like the plastic tips on modern shoelaces: they prevent fraying and make it much easier to thread through tight eyelets. If you wish to attach the tips yourself, you can find them separately in the relevant category.

When calculating the length, the rule of thumb is: total length of the row of eyelets multiplied by two, plus sufficient excess for tying. As the cord is sold in 10-cm lengths, the conversion is straightforward. A single length of cord can also connect several pairs of eyelets when used as a continuous lacing – which saves material on long bodices.

Lacing cord for re-enactment, LARP and medieval markets: what goes with what?

Calculating the right amount: How much lacing cord do you really need?

The most common question when buying lacing cords is: how much do I actually need? The answer depends on the lacing system and the length of the row of eyelets. As a rule of thumb: for classic cross-lacing, you need three times the length of the row of eyelets. A bodice with 14 pairs of eyelets, each 2 cm apart, has a row length of around 26 cm – the required cord length is then approx. 80–100 cm, including excess for tying.

As the laces are sold in 10-cm lengths, simply calculate: the desired length in cm divided by 10 gives you the number of laces required. For 1 metre, order 10 pieces; for 1.5 metres, order 15 pieces. It’s worth ordering a little extra, as lacing cords can snap, wear out or get lost – keeping a small reserve saves you from having to pay double the postage costs.

For stage, theatre and film productions where many similar costumes are required, we recommend purchasing larger quantities from the same colour batch. This helps avoid colour variations between different production batches. The medieval haberdashery in the shop offers a wide range for this purpose.

Colour combinations at a glance: from classic to heraldic

Two-tone tassel cords are a small but effective detail that really completes an outfit. Browse through all the colour combinations, choose your shades to match your heraldry or outfit – and, if needed, combine them with matching tassel tips right here in the shop.

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