I used sisal last year for mine. I took the 1/4 inch stuff and braided three strands with my drill. This year I went thicker because I knew they would be more prolific. The chinook is as thick as my pinky. I ran into to problems with the sisal rotting before harvest. I am not sure if I am going to use the same AWG cord for my 13 new rhizomes I am putting in.