I have made three of them, two of natural fiber rope, and one out of synthetic rope. But it was long enough ago that I don't remember what length I started with. What I do recall is that the center was 3 or 4 lengths of the rope, which formed the core around which the fender was created. I use them occasionally when a regular type of fender, which floats, can ride up on top of a low dock as the boat is in motion from waves. The rope fenders have the advantage that they do NOT float, so they stay in the water, rather than on the water, and are less likely to ride up and be relocated and ineffective. I've attached a picture that shows them drying on the stern of our boat.