All you need is three or more pieces of string, rope, cord, or some other pliable material and you're ready to begin This book will teach you how to braid, weave, and knot them in hundreds of different ways, from simple three-stranded braiding through the attractive -- though more complex -- macram knotting.
Complete, easy-to-follow instructions begin with braiding and weaving with anywhere from three to nine strands. Flat braiding, solid braiding, braiding over multiple strands, weaving across stationary strands, and many other techniques are covered. Each yields a different texture and pattern, so that with the imaginative use of color the results can be quite attractive. The knotting section covers the many different kinds of knots (square, spiral square, triple, half hitch, etc.) and how to use them in various decorative or functional ways. Fifty-seven drawings are especially helpful in adding clarity to the directions.
Along with these instructions there are directions for making numerous articles with your braids and knots: belts, lanyards, mats, rugs, sandals, hats, bags -- only your imagination will limit the number of things you can make. Anyone inclined to take up braiding and knotting will find this book immensely helpful, not only in getting started, but in going through the advanced stages of crafts.

Braided rugs are like family quilts - each strip of cloth comes from a cast-off garment and tells a story all its own. Piecing the rug together is an act of weaving family memories into a useful heirloom you'll treasure forever. Nancy Bubel covers every step of the simple process, from planning the perfect size, shape, and color scheme to cutting your cloth strips, braiding them together, and finishing off your rug.

Over eighty ornamental and useful knots with easy-to-follow, step-by-step illustrations. All knots serve useful purposes, but many of the more complicated ones also create appealing shapes and interwoven textures. "The Complete Book of Decorative Knots" contains easy-to-follow, expert instructions on how to tie over eighty knots, ranging from the simple to the elaborate.

The book is divided into five sections of different knots lanyard knots, button knots and globe knots, Turk's heads, mats and hitching, and chains and plaits. Every section contains background information on the history, lore, and accreditation of the knots featured. Color illustrations guide you step-by-step through the stages of tying each knot. The knots featured are not only attractive, but they have a wide variety of practical uses, such as for hammocks, doormats, and bellpulls. A useful glossary explains the terms and techniques used in the world of rope and knot tying.

• Choose the right rope and knot for the job
• Tie knots safely and securely
• Create decorative knots for clothing and accessories
• Practice knot-tying through games and exercises

Jam-packed with practical valuable information for fishermen everywhere, this handbook describes the hundreds of ties and bends used to connect line to the many types and kinds of hooks, leaders, lures, nets, traps, and seines. The text and illustrations are amply detailed and so clear that all guesswork is eliminated. The making and repairing of nets is thoroughly covered, as well as the making and repairing of seines and traps. With this guidebook in hand the novice can learn to make good nets and traps in a very short time. The veteran fisherman will find it an indispensable reference tool. Whether you fish for fun or to make a living, this is a valuable addition to your tackle box

• The basics of rope formation
• Tying useful knots
• Splicing rope
• Working cordage
• Tying fancy knots
• Using different ties and lashings
• And more.

Canada's East Coast has a unique craft heritage that has seen generations hooking rugs during the long winter evenings. Hooked mats and rugs were originally intented as functional pieces--a place to wipe dirty feet at the back door, or a cover for drafty floors. But at some point aesthetics crept into this process, and those simple mats have evolved into the wonderful folk art rugs we see today.Nova Scotia's Doris Eaton has been hooking rugs for nearly 50 years and is one of the region's most well-known rug-hookers.A Lifetime of Rug-Hooking features over 80 of Doris's colourful and lively rugs and the inspiration and materials behind her art. Doris also shares some of her tried and true techniques, including her famous "Eaton Edge" for finishing a rug. With a foreword from fellow Nova Scotia rug-hooker and artist Deanne Fitzpatrick, A Lifetime of Rug-Hooking is a marvellous visual tour of the work of an influential East Coast folk artist.

Micro macram is the technique of making tiny knots with cords that are much thinner than those used in the traditional macram art of the '60s and '70s. With 15 projects, this book turns any novice jewelry maker into a master of this emerging technique. Many of the projects are bracelets, which are popular and quick to work up, but this illustrated guide also includes a variety of necklaces and other beautiful projects. With a focus on techniques, this book also teaches jewelry makers how to incorporate beads and crystals into their macram jewelry to make each piece their own, taking macram from a craft to an art.

Learn to make beautiful punch needle hooked rugs with veteran instructor Amy Oxford. A complete "how to" photo essay walks you through every stage of rug making. Never dry, Oxford entertains as she teaches. A question and answer section, fascinating interviews with professional punch needle rug hookers, a look into the origins of the punch needle technique, and exciting photographs of work from some of the field's most innovative and inspired craftspeople make this book a must for any textile lover. A gallery of more than 140 rugs, pillows, chair pads, and stair runners shown in full color will inspire your original designs.