Knots

Discover the art of ropecraft with this inspiring collection from renowned knot expert Des Pawson. Bringing together an expanded, full-colour selection of projects from the popular Des Pawson's Knot Craft with 20 inventive new mat designs, this practical guide is packed with ideas for knot enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Featuring 60 ropework projects, the book shows you how to create everything from decorative mats and traditional bellropes to key fobs, fenders and doorstops. Each project is presented in an easy-to-follow, recipe-style format, with step-by-step instructions and clear guidance on the materials, sizes and lengths you'll need.

Along the way, Des shares fascinating insights into nautical history and explains how the techniques can be adapted to create many other useful and decorative items. Full-colour illustrations, photographs of finished projects and practical tips make even intricate ropework approachable.

Whether you're new to knots or looking to expand your skills, this comprehensive guide gives you the knowledge and confidence to turn simple lengths of rope into beautiful, practical objects—and, as Des says, it's the book that makes all other knot books work!

This book shows you how to make various different types of fender. Not only that, it shows the knots that are used and also tell you how much cordage you need to make a particular sort and size of fender. A very practical guide.

Author : Colin Jones

Binding : Wirebound

by Ben Selfe.

This book is aimed at narrowboaters and cruiser owners. In simple straightforward language, with superbly clear original drawings by Helen Gee, Ben takes us through the basics of rope maintenance and how to moor your vessel. He introduces the idea of making your own bottle fenders and includes some fancy ropework such as a safety ladder, cabin strings and keyrings.

Also covered are joining ropes, splicing, turks heads etc.

Soft back with rear cover having a flap to act as a bookmark. Spiral bound. 138 pages. 22cms x 29.6cms approx. Colour and black & white photos, black & white drawings. 2025 reprint.

This book is a wonderful collection of 'recipes' for making useful and attractive items from rope. Expanded for this edition with seven inspiring new items, the 35 projects range from key fobs, belts and napkin rings to binocular straps, bell ropes and fenders.

Each project provides step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams, exact material, size and length, as well as the different knots involved. There is also a 'Tips of the Trade' section presenting some handy tools and helpful advice for working with rope.

Soft back. 112 pages. 13.9cms x 21.6cms approx. Illustrated with black & white drawings.

This beautifully-produced compendium gives you a knot challenge for every day of the year.

It includes: essential knots, bends and hitches; craft projects such as keyrings, belts, and plant hangers; magic tricks and escapology knots; and fashion knots for your tie or shoelaces.

There are hundreds to choose from, all colour coded by use and guided by step-by-step colour photographs and illustrations. You can work through the book from start to finish, gradually building on your knowledge as you go, or alternatively dip in and out for your daily knotting fix.

368 pages, softback.

Step-by-step instructions to tying over 50 knots from the essential to the decorative. A practical guide for sailors, mountaineers and campers as well as those who would like to try their hand at more decorative knots.

by Steve Judkins & Tim Davison.

This full-colour book covers knots, splices and whippings. It begins with the 10 knots that everyone should know. The other knots are grouped by use, ie, tying a rope to an object, tying two ropes together, loops, stopper knots, fishing knots etc.

Each stage of each knot is illustrated and its uses, strong points and weak points are highlighted.

Hard back. 128 pages. 17.5cms x 12.1cms approx. Illustrated with coloured drawings.

by Des Pawson.

This isn't a book as such, but a deck of cards, each dealing with a particular knot, so no problems trying to hold a book open whilst struggling to learn a new knot.

Over 30 knots are featured for boating, fishing, camping, climbing and decorative use.

Each card measures 9.5cmc x 14cms approx, and all held in a sturdy box.

by Gordon Perry & Steve Judkins.

Although written and illustrated specifically with the boating fraternity in mind, the book's content is applicable to a much wider readership.

Structured to guide everyone from a complete beginner to a seasoned sailor step-by-step through simple knots on to the advanced knotting skills required to make a Turk's Head and Star Knot.

Soft back. 240 pages. 17cms x 24.5cms. Fully illustrated with coulour diagrams.