Page 13 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

2 Materials, Methods,

MeasureMents,

and tools

This chapter shows how you can obtain and use this stretch, shrink, burn, fade, or do anything else
fibres to create the knotted designs shown here. in reaction to stressors? What colours, finishes,
There are too many places where materials may types, and thicknesses are available? Are there
be obtained for me to show them all; you may find special glues, lacquers, varnishes or coatings that
some other place near you that is a good source – I should or should not use? These are all typical
just keep your eyes peeled for an opportunity! If questions, and are proper for those starting out.
you take the initiative to join a group such as the There are many materials one can use to create
International Guild of Knot Tyers, the International knots and knotted articles. Artists have used
String Figure Association or the Basketmakers everything from carbon fibre to hempen cord. A
Guild, I feel sure you will find a contact, perhaps few of the more common materials are examined
nearby, who can help you. Good luck! here. These are leather, cord, wire, line, plastic,
and natural fibres. You will learn what to use them
MATERIALS for and where to get them, how to treat something
Materials! I usually field many questions about you’ve made with them, and any potential problems
materials when I demonstrate knotting. What their use implies.
should I use and where will I find some? Surely they A word about the construction of cords and
don’t still make that, do they? What do I do with it lines: Some are known as laid cords or line. These
when it is finished? Where should I store it? Does are cords made by twisting the original fibres into