Knot Craft

Our library already has 37 publications dealing with knots, splices and so on.  So for what reason, you may ask, do we need another.  The title “Knot Craft” gives us a hint.  A subtitle takes us a little further: “28 ropework projects”.  The author explains more fully in his foreword that the aim of the book is to “give you the confidence to start making things with knots; it is the book that will make other knot books work for you”.

 We are not faced with yet a more novel way of describing the bowline, double sheet-bend or the like.  A brief chapter gives many hints for the sort of fid, spikes, “goos”, cordage and other tools of the  trade and how they may be used.  There follow the 28 projects the outcomes of which many of us have wondered at.  Simple key fobs, bell pulls ranging through to larger items: mats, traditional fenders of several shapes as well as the Turks Head decoration and fancy covering for tillers and wheel coverings.  Each “recipe” describes the task, the knots used and gives a full list of materials including length of cordage required and . Des Pawson is, of course, an expert who co-founded the International Guild of Knot Tyers and many of you will have seen his talented demonstrations at  festivals, boatshows and venues across the world.  The text is illustrated carefully by Ann Norman in clear monochrome.  It will tempt many into having a go. - MD