The Art of Decorative Knot Tying

This workshop is an introduction to sailor’s “Marlinespike Seamanship” decorative knot-tying.  Though the word “decorative” implies that little or no function is served, the craft of decorative knot tying generally combines both form and function.  ‘Covering knots’ were used historically to protect blown-glass fishing net floats and ceramic jugs of water taken along on fishing expeditions; the style of knotwork also helped identify their maker!  Many variations of hitching have embellished handrails, mug handles, and the ship’s tiller or wheel, but you will think of countless ways to incorporate them into your artwork – decorate a picture frame, embellish the ears on pots, display pieces upon fancy plaited mats…

We’ll start by identifying lanyard and button knots, plaits, chains, sinnits, turk’s heads, mats, and hitching. You’ll take home your own Running Turks Head bracelet and a Monkey’s Fist ornament!

This workshop covers vocabulary, tools, rope and twine identification, tying of many knots, plus techniques and resources to further what you’ve learned in this workshop on your own. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Identifying types of decorative knots
• Identifying types of rope
• Yarrr!  Salty vocabulary for knotwork
• Functional knots: Figure 8, Bowline, Reef
• Running Turk’s Head decorative knot
• Monkey’s Fist knot
• Tons of resources where to get rope & knot resources

Please Note:

Students 16 years of age and up can be unaccompanied; ages 12-15 must have a guardian also enrolled in the class.  Minors must have parental permission and signed waiver (ask us).

*No experience necessary!