Decorative Knot Tying

An introduction to sailor’s “Marlinespike Seamanship” decorative knot-tying – which combines both form and function.  Covering knots were used historically to protect blown-glass fishing net floats and ceramic jugs of water. Variations of Hitching have embellished handrails, ladder rungs, mug handles, and the ship’s tiller. The Monkey’s Fist is a weighted ball with a long line, easy to throw ashore when docking- the line was tied onto the much heavier ship’s dockline which would be pulled hand-over-hand by crew on the dock.

We’ll build confidence by learning a few functional knots then practice the Running Turks Head and Monkey’s Fist. You’ll leave with your own Turk’s Head bracelet and a Monkey’s Fist ornament! We’ll enjoy some sea shanteys to keep it fun and get in the salty spirit of nautical history!

What you’ll learn:

• Identifying types of rope & twine
• Identifying knots: lanyards, plaits, chains, sinnits, turk’s heads, mats, ball knots, and hitching
• Learn about knotworking tools
• Tie the Running Turk’s Head
• Tie the Monkey’s Fist covering knot
• Resources for learning more & where to get materials

Materials are provided
No experience necessary!

About the instructor:

Christy Georg is an Artist / Adventurer.  She has worked as a deckhand aboard sailing schooners, thru-hiked the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail and 500 mile Colorado trail, and cruised the Arctic.   Endurance and fortitude drive underlying themes in her work.  She has her BFA and MFA in sculpture and brings a 20-year career with dozens of awards and rich fabrication experience to MAKE.