Page 27 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

MATErIALs, METHods, MEAsUrEMEnTs, And TooLs 21

Covering Spherical Objects TOOLS
When you are covering a ball, wrap the ball with Here is a list of the tools that I have found useful
a single piece of cord, using enough turns to in making knotted pieces:
completely cover it, then mark the beginning and
end of that cord and multiply that length by three. If
you are using multiple cords, you will need the total shears, the sharper the better
length of all cords to cover the ball completely. sharp scissors in various sizes
tape (drafting tape is best)
Making Mats t-pins made of stainless steel
When you are making a mat, lay your cord in ever- squared pin-board used for macramé
decreasing circles, starting at approximately the Marlinespike, not essential but helpful
outside size of your finished mat, until you reach the a hollow, steel fid
centre. Measure the total length of all line laid this Flat-bladed and needle-nosed pliers
way, then increase that length by a third for a loose Medical forceps or hemostats
weave or by half for a tight weave. Last, add a foot to a small butane torch or lighter
give yourself some working room. Ca glue (superglue), refrigerated
Clamps in assorted sizes
Making Jewellery a vice that fits a table edge
When you are making a piece of decorative jewellery Paper, pencil, and eraser, for drawing
in dozens of pieces, make a test piece using more this book!
cord than you think you’ll need, then take it apart
and measure how much was used, always adding
a little extra to work with. If the material you are Here are some photographs to help you to see
working with is expensive, such as gold, silver, or what I use – your collection may include all sorts
some other high-cost material, make a sample using of different items and I would be very interested
inexpensive cord or wire of the same thickness, then to hear what you use.
take it apart and use that as your measure. The first is a marlinespike, with a lanyard
For all other measures, it is largely up to you attached – not very decorative, but very
to practise and find how much tension you apply, practical! Notice that it has a slightly bent tip,
what cord you can consistently get, and whether which is useful as a lever when pulling cords
or not you make the article with severe bends or through a piece of tight decorative stuff. Put
long slow bends in it! Many cords are also relatively your thumb on the cord, with the tip of the tool
inexpensive on a cost-per-foot basis, so overly long underneath, and then press down on the cord to
pieces may not matter as much; pieces that are too grip it against the tool. The same technique can
short, however, are a different matter. Allow plenty! be used with the pricker.

Left Marlinespike
Right Pusher