Contemplating Practical Uses for Decorative Knots - Part 1

After a tough day at the office, I love to unwind with rope. I'm very much a beginner but I find watching how-to videos on rope work and knots to be a marvellous stress reliever.

Tonight I discovered J.D. Lenzen's Fusion Knots http://fusionknots.com/index.php I suggest you begin with the gallery and then go to the tutorials and select which videos you want to view. I like J.D.'s approach - the videos are not rushed at all. He takes his time and seems to know when he needs to pause for just a little longer to give you a chance to process the previous move.

I spent a while checking out the knot gallery and then tried a few knots. The Celtic Heart Knot caught my attention because it is pretty. In coloured hemp, it would make a nice necklace.

The Celtic Bar has a beautiful rhythm to it. The four strands (two singles and two doubles) wrap back and forth around each other producing a sturdy column of knot work. I practiced a bit and eventually made a 15 inch strand out of 1/4 inch nylon rope. I was pleased with how it turned out. It makes a sturdy strap-like structure that delivers a nice sting. (I tried it on my leg.)

I also tried the Celtic Bar in 1 mm waxed cord that I had in my craft supplies. While it was narrower than I would have preferred, it helped me imagine other uses for the knot design. It made a much narrower band that reminded me of a cock ring. I think I'll try it in leather shoe lace next!