Page 137 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

covering knots 131

artifices possible with a piece of string, especially
coloured string, old rope, or perhaps leather lace.
The possibilities are almost limitless and all that is
required is the ability to tie one or two seemingly
simple structures to produce a very charming and
beautiful finish to an otherwise utilitarian object.
Using knots to cover the surface of other pieces
of line has been a mainstay of nautical work for
centuries. The sea is remarkably hard on materials,
especially rope. It can be both practical and

The tipcat fender on a narrowboat on the
English canals is one example of the fine
ropework found today on these elegant
craft. The large round fender is an ancient
fender found in a museum in the city of
Sevilla, Spain, in the Golden Tower.