Des Pawson has been a professional ropeworker for more than 25 years. His passion for knots goes back to the time when, aged 7, he was given a book with some knots in it. He has studied knots and sailors' ropework ever since. Over that time he has built up a number of recipe books containing the information required to make each item, whether it is a key fob, fender, mat or knife lanyard. Des Pawson's Knot Craft contains a selection from those recipe books, giving the reader the basic designs, illustrating which knots and sennits are used to make them. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to put the knots together as well as the size and lengths of materials required. Many books have been published on how to tie practical knots but not many books give help in putting the knots together to make an object.
What's the difference between a square knot and a granny knot? What kinds of knots do fishermen use? How do you make a rope ladder? A tourniquet? What's the best way to secure a boat to its mooring, or pitch a tent? How do you tie stretcher knots? These questions and many others are answered in Allan and Paulette Macfarlan's encyclopedic work on the practical art of knot tying. Knowing how to tie a variety of useful and reliable knots is a necessity for weekend sailors and campers: it's a passport to safety and success. Rock climbing, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities also inspire the enthusiast to pursue the requisite knots. In unusually clear illustrations rendered by artist Paulette Macfarlan, accompanied by precise written instructions, the authors of this book explain how to tie hundreds of knots, including basic knots, stopper knots and hitches, toggled knots, knots for joining two ends of rope, hitches and knots for typing ropes to things, whipping, seizings, loop knots, horsey knots and hitches, decorative knots, lashing, and splicing. Practical applications are also discussed: rappelling, raft building, tracking a canoe or small boat, heaving line, log rolling, making a travois, and rope tent-frames, beds, and bunks. In addition to discussing the practical side of knot tying, the Macfarlans cover the entertaining end of the craft: knots and ropes in history and literature, knot mystery and magic in ancient and contemporary times, and games, tricks, and stunts with ropes and knots. Nearly every aspect of knot tying is represented in this comprehensive and concise reference work. Boaters, campers, boy scouts, and others interested in practical or decorative knots will want to add this volume to their bookshelves.
This wonderful collection of Des Pawson's personal ropecraft recipes combines an expanded and now full-colour collection of projects from Des's popular Des Pawson's Knot Craft, together with 20 new and brilliant mat designs. Readers can learn how to make 60 different ropework projects, including mats, bellropes, key fobs, fenders and doorstops. Along with fascinating titbits of nautical history as background to many projects and guidance as to how they can be the starting point for many other items, Des gives step-by-step instructions on how to put these knots together to form the finished article, and advice on the size and lengths of the materials required - just as you would find in a recipe book. Full-colour illustrations, clear and practical tips on technique, and photos of the finished products mean that this book is ideal for all abilities. With this book to hand, readers will have the confidence to start making desirable objects with knots because, as Des says, this is the book that makes all other knot books work!
Explores eleven knotting techniques, from basic tying techniques to more intricate macrame and ornamental styles. This book helps readers discover the history behind knot art; an ancient technique that originated in Korea, traditionally used to decorate clothing and home interiors.
A treasure trove of knot instruction and lore! The Craft of the Knot introduces you to the skill and beauty of knot tying. Filled with detailed instructions, history, and lore, you'll discover a wide range of uses for ordinary rope. From camping and climbing to crafts and sailing, this charming guide also includes knot illustrations for every occasion to show you how to master any tie. Whether you want to brush up on the basics of hitches and bends, or create complex and beguiling decorative knots, The Craft of the Knot provides you with the information you need to fasten the perfect knot every time.
All it takes is just one stitch--and you can "paint" vibrant scenes with embroidery! The beautiful French knot has a versatility rare in needle art, and it gives projects an unusually rich texture, depth, and perspective. The technique, described in detail here, is easy to learn, and there's advice on enlarging or reducing a design, care and laundering, and finding a picture to work from. 10 projects show off the variety of effects stitchers will achieve and inspire them to come up with original ideas. They include several garden pictures--a parterre, herbaceous borders, path, a pergola, and a blossom tree--plus ideas for a lingerie bag, potpourri stem, vase of flowers, and brooch. 72 pages (8 in color), 21 b/w illus., 7 1/4 x 10.
A practical pocket sized guide that provides comprehensive and easy-to-follow instructions for tying hundreds of knots. Knots have hundreds of practical applications for sailors, climbers, campers and this book covers them all.
Blessed Threads & Magic Twists Cord magic is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to make magic. This book shows you how to quickly and effectively twist your own magical cords, with specific tips for choosing colors, setting your intention, charging the cords, and incorporating powerful knot spells. You will discover dozens of hands-on instructional worksheets and specific projects for a myriad of magical purposes, including protection, transitions, finding new love, improving your creative life, celebrating a handfasting, and many more. Author Brandy Williams also includes guidance for working with embellishments, capturing the power of astrological signs, unmaking a cord, and choosing the best materials. Cord magic is portable and versatile—you can twist a cord in a matter of minutes, whether you're at home or out in public. You can wear a magically charged cord as an accessory or simply carry one in a pocket or bag. This book explores the history of cord magic and it teaches everything you need to know about the tools and techniques you need to create your own magical twists and knots.
