Rope Source, Author at Rope Source

Posted on July 27, 2022August 16, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

Natural rope vs poly rope: which is best?

Before buying a natural or synthetic rope, there should be a few factors taken into consideration. Think about the job you want your rope to do: are you using them indoor or outdoor, what sort of stress might they be put under, and how long do you need them for. Having a clear idea of their use and properties will help you immensely when selecting the perfect rope.

What can you use natural and synthetic ropes for?

Ropes can be used for practically anything, from marine use to arts and crafts, they’re very versatile. So, what exactly can each type of rope be used for?

Natural rope

These rustic, rough and ready ropes are perfect for industry or decorative use. Before the creation of synthetic ropes, their natural counterparts were used for everything and anything. From climbing to clothing, and farming to cat-scratching posts – they have a variety of uses. Natural ropes have a better grip for tying knots than synthetic ones – which are prone to slipping.

Synthetic rope

Strong, lightweight and hard wearing, poly ropes have become a great alternative to other ropes. Polypropylene and polyethylene ropes are great for usage on lorries, for towing and for marine use. As they are water resistant, they’re great for aquatic purposes.

Material

The composition of a rope is very important as this will ultimately decide how well your rope performs in other areas.

What are natural ropes made of?

Made up of all natural fibre, these ropes can be formed from plant fibres, such as manila, jute, sisal, cotton and natural hemp. Ranging from 6mm to 28mm, natural ropes have been a consistent favourite long before synthetic ropes were created.

What are synthetic ropes made of?

Poly ropes are made up of synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester – along with many others. The benefit of these polymers is that they make the rope extremely strong.

Strength

Probably the most important factor to concern yourself with when it comes to ropes is strength. The stronger the rope, the higher the likelihood of it serving the purpose you want it to.

How strong are natural ropes?

In most cases, natural ropes are very strong, but due to their plant fibre composition, they are weaker than poly ropes. Saying this, natural ropes still have plenty of benefits that shouldn’t be ignored.

How strong are synthetic ropes?

With a higher tensile strength and elasticity, poly ropes are generally stronger than natural ropes. These ropes are lightweight, but don’t let that fool you – they are amazing at absorbing high impacts.

Durability

What can each rope withstand? Synthetic and natural ropes have varying durabilities when faced with water, fire and extreme temperatures. Which one fares the best?

How durable are natural ropes?

One of the main issues when opting for the more natural rope is that when they get wet, they shrink. This occurs as the plant fibres absorb water and increase in size, therefore decreasing the length. Apart from this, a natural rope is pretty great at withstanding high heats and freezing temperatures – but it will burn if exposed to fire. We recommend treating your ropes for the best outdoor use, this can be with decking oil or any other preservatives available at your local DIY store.

How durable are synthetic ropes?

Water resistant and unshrinkable, poly ropes are amazing for those rainy days. Although, they don’t react as well in freezing or extreme temperatures, as they can experience damage or even melt slightly. So, keep your synthetic ropes away from fires at all costs.

Lifespan

The lifespan of any rope depends on two things – how well you look after it and what type of rope it is. Not ensuring that your ropes are well maintained will impact on the lifespan.

How long will a natural rope last?

As natural ropes are made from plant fibres, it’s not uncommon for them to rot if left damp for extended periods. Over time, the molecules within the natural fibres become weaker as they are not held together chemically.

How long will a synthetic rope last?

Due to the polymer nature of synthetic ropes, they tend to last a lot longer than natural ropes. As they don’t suffer from damp or water damage, there’s no chance of the rope rotting. If you’re looking for a rope that’s easy to look after, and that will stand the test of time, a poly rope is probably your best bet.

Environmentally friendly?

Looking after the environment is more important than ever, so considering how sustainable your rope is may be a big factor.

Are natural ropes sustainable?

A bonus to using natural ropes is that they are completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly. As they are composed of plant fibres, these ropes are an amazing choice when it comes to protecting the environment.

Are synthetic ropes environmentally friendly?

Despite their best efforts, poly ropes are not completely eco-friendly. Synthetic polymer fibres and lots of chemicals are used to form this type of rope. As they won’t break down naturally, we suggest keeping your poly ropes in tip top condition and keeping them for as long as you can, and then recycling them properly.

Which rope is best?

When it comes to officially deciding the winner between a natural and a poly rope, we think we’ll leave that one up to you to decide. If you’re thinking about purchasing some ropes, contact us and we can help you decide which one is right for you.

Posted on July 12, 2022August 16, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

6 types of paracord survival knots

yellow paracord survival knot next to brown wood

What are paracord survival knots?

When you’re camping, climbing or stuck out in the wilderness, a good survival knot will come in handy. There are many types of survival knots – some contain loops that are ideal for hooking onto anchors, whilst others allow the length of paracords to be adjusted. Using a paracord ensures that your knot will be strong and secure – providing that you have done the knot correctly – but we can help with that.

Types of paracord survival knots

We have six survival knots for you to master with your paracord. There’s a variety of lengths and colours to choose from when it comes to paracords. From neon pink to woodland camo, choose whether to blend in or stand out – either way, they’ll be your best friends out in the wild.

Figure-eight knot

figure eight survival knot with a red paracord — https://unsplash.com/photos/hz8oKcPIyAU

One of the most popular and strongest knots for climbers and campers is the figure-eight knot. This incredibly strong knot won’t unravel under pressure, which makes it perfect for climbing. If multiple knots are tied along a paracord, this can also be used to climb up. A variation of this is the figure-eight follow through knot, which contains a loop at the end – this knot can be used to haul people up or as a hand or foothold.

Figure-eight on a bight

A close relative of the figure-eight knot – this knot differs slightly as it contains a loop at the end. This loop is known as a bight and it comes in handy when securing a paracord to a climbing harness or an anchor of some kind. It is important that these knots are really secure, but too tight and they can be difficult to untie.

Bowline knot

Easy to tie and untie, but are still able to hold an incredibly high amount of weight. Only have one hand free? No problem. This knot can be tied using just one hand. The bowline knot is great for tying a paracord around yourself or other things, but we don’t suggest using this knot for climbing. As the bowline knot can come undone when pulled sideways, it’s definitely not the safest knot to use in this instance.

Clove hitch

The clove hitch may not be as strong as the figure-eight knot, but it does offer one important feature. This knot allows you to adjust the length of your paracord without untying – this is due to its loose binding. In high winds, we suggest checking this knot often as it can unravel.

Sheet bend

Have you ever gone out climbing or camping and realised that your paracords are too short? This is where the sheet bend comes into play – it’s a great knot for tying two shorter paracords together. The sheet bend can still work even if the two paracords are made with different materials or if they vary in thicknesses, to be extra safe, a double knot will ensure complete security. In need of a net, a hammock or possibly a stretcher? The sheet bend can help with just about anything.

Taut line hitch

The taut line hitch is a useful knot to learn when going camping. It is popular for its versatility, but is great for setting up a tarpaulin. This knot can slide up and down the paracord and is easy to untie when not needed. However, if the rotation of the knot is reversed, it can become weaker so it shouldn’t be relied on when climbing.

Interested in purchasing a paracord and trying out these survival knots? Why not take a look at our extensive range of paracords? If you’re in need of some extra advice, get in touch with us today and we can help to pick the perfect paracord to suit your needs.

Posted on June 24, 2022November 10, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

The history of rope making

What is rope making?

Rope making is the process of twisting lots of fibres together to make one strong rope. A rope’s job is to remain wound together, even when contorted or knotted, otherwise it would not have enough tensile strength to pull heavy objects or keep its stability.

How to make ropes

Nowadays, the rope making process is largely industrialised, with ropes created by machines. But essentially, there are four parts to rope production:

Prepare the fibres by twisting.

Spin the fibres, or bunch them, into yarn.

These yarns are then twisted – in a process called forming – into strands.

Next up is laying – where multiple strands are twisted together, to form a complete rope.

What material is used to make ropes?

Most fibres can be used to make a rope, but depending on the type used to make the strands, and ultimately the rope, some will inevitably be stronger than others. The strongest type of natural rope, for example, is a manila rope, whereas for synthetic rope you should go for nylon or polypropylene. Synthetic ropes such as these are strong, lightweight and are great value for money.

The different rope making techniques

The material of a rope can differ, and so can the technique of braiding or twisting a rope. We have listed a few types of rope making techniques below:

Twisted rope: To form a twisted rope, fibres are spun into yarns and then twisted into strands. These separate strands are then twisted together to create a rope.

Braided rope: This type of rope is created by braiding yarn together to form a tube-like structure. The benefit of this is that they have better flexibility than a twisted rope.

Plaited rope: A plaited rope is relatively simple and is similar to a twisted rope, except the strands are plaited instead.

A brief history of rope making

The history of rope is actually a lot more intricate than you might think. So without further ado, let’s dive in.

When were ropes invented?

Rope making has been an essential part of history, and dates back to prehistoric times around 28,000 years ago. Originally, ropes were made from twisting plant fibres, or anything individuals could source locally, together – and it’s not so different today. Rope making spread to many civilizations, but first became popular with the Egyptians – then moving onto the Chinese dynasties and the rest of the world.

The ancient Egyptians were the first to create rope making tools, and ropes became essential for moving materials to use for building the pyramids and monuments. Some tombs actually show this process in their wall paintings – these are called reliefs. Other parts of the world realised the usefulness of ropes in industry and daily life, becoming a massive global industry.

How was traditional rope made?

Rope was traditionally made in a ropewalk – this referred to the rope factories. These buildings were long, low, and often completely outdoors. Later, ropewalks were either roofed or housed inside. Unlike most other industrial factories, ropewalks were placed outside of cities because of the high fire risk they posed. Due to the extremely long lengths of rope that needed to be made, these factories were often around a quarter of a mile long – sometimes even longer. In a ropewalk, long fibres would be laid down and twisted together to make one strong rope. The strength of the rope comes from these fibres being wound together multiple times over. Usually, ropewalks were operated by hand or hand-operated tools, but this later developed.

Chatham Dockyard in Kent has the only traditional working ropewalk, and rope has been made there for around 400 years. It also contains a ropery museum for people to check out the history of rope making in even more depth.

How rope making has evolved

The industrial revolution pushed for steam-powered machines, progressing into electric use. Some electricity powered ropewalks hung around until the mid 20th century. As a rope making method, the ropewalk was efficient but slow and things began to change.

The desire for stronger, thicker ropes began with the increase in sea trading. The use of ropes on ships was essential and the ropewalks couldn’t keep up with the demand. Natural materials – that were usually used for rope making – could no longer be used due to them shrinking when they got wet. Manila is the material of choice for rope usage on boats – it’s strong and doesn’t stretch.

This is where we see a move towards rope making as we know it today, and away from slower processes like ropewalks. These days, ropes are mass produced quickly and in large quantities to keep up with the ever growing rope industry.

Feeling inspired by the rich history of rope making? If you’re interested in buying some ropes, rather than making them yourself, then we can help. Or maybe you’re unsure what type of rope you need, in that case – contact us today to satisfy all of your rope needs.

Posted on June 17, 2022July 22, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

8 amazing ideas for jute twine crafts

If you’re a crafting whizz who’s looking to expand their DIY tool box, investing in jute craft twine is the way to go. These rustic twines are a fan-favourite simply because of their immense durability. They’re strong, they look great, and they’re plant-based, making them both biodegradable and sustainable – what more could you ask for?

Jute twines are made from variations of jute plants which produce fibres that can be spun into twines of various thicknesses. Jute plants are easy to grow and have become a popular alternative to wool and cotton.

Jute twine craft ideas

Scrapbooks

Remember making scrapbooks when you were young? Add some nostalgia to your life and put together a scrapbook with the help of jute twine – the perfect way to document a day out you want to remember. Connecting photos together is an essential part of scrapbooking, so with your jute twine in hand, cut various lengths and pin or stick down to your scrapbook pages. Place your photos In between the pieces of jute twine so they appear connected.

Another great use for jute twine is using it to tie a scrapbook shut. Cut one long piece of jute twine into two, and on both the front and back covers, near the page edge, glue one end of the twine to the cover. Allow this to dry, and then if you want an additional personal touch, add a piece of coloured tape over the twine end before you tie your book shut.

Crochet

Why not hop onto the crafting trend that’s recently taken the world by storm? Get out your crochet hooks and pick some coloured jute twine to craft your very own clothing, accessories and decorative pieces. Although this twine is stiffer than your usual wool or yarn, it works exactly the same, and can be great for making ornaments that require a little bit more structure.

One of our favourite things to crochet with jute twine is coasters. They look amazing on a coffee table and they hold their shape well. If you’re looking for a larger craft project, crocheting a jute twine rug is another amazing idea – just ensure that you’ve got enough twine for this! Whether you’re a crochet fanatic or a complete beginner, why not open up a few YouTube tutorials and give it a try?

Hanging decorations

Do you have some decorations collecting dust that you’ve been meaning to put up, but you have nothing to hang them with? This is where jute twine comes in. You could use a few different colours of jute intertwined to make a beautiful twine rope that’s perfect for exactly this.

If you’re looking to follow this method, we suggest taking three different coloured jute twines, cutting each to the same length and then begin wrapping them around each other. Once you’ve done this, make a knot at each end to secure your jute twine creation and begin threading or hooking your decorations on. Hanging this on your wall will add a pop of colour to your home, whilst utilising unused decorations.

Plant pot covers

Bring some of that rustic charm into your home with self-made jute plant covers. Grab your chosen jute twine, a simple plant pot, PVA glue, and you’re good to go. Apply glue to the section of the plant pot that you want your jute twine to cover, and then carefully wrap your twine around the glued section of the plant pot. Make a striped effect by using a variety of jute colours – the perfect way to brighten up your plant pots.

Making Christmas ornaments

One of our favourite things to craft around Christmas time is jute twine baubles. They’re easy to make and look great hanging from tree branches. If you’re thinking of making a few jute twine baubles in time for Christmas, we have the perfect method for you.

To get started, pick up a few balloons, PVA glue and a variety of coloured jute twine. In a bowl, mix some water and glue, and place jute twine strands in a bowl until fully coated. Blow up a few balloons – to whatever size you’d like your baubles to be – and begin wrapping your glue-coated jute twine around the balloons. There’s no right or wrong way to wrap your twine, but make sure that it’s tight. Leave your jute twine creations out to dry overnight, and when dry, pop the balloon inside.

Now you have some amazing, hand-made baubles for your tree!

Weddings

Planning a wedding but it’s missing that personal touch? Get crafty and make some place cards, or send out handmade invitations. Add some spark with coloured jute twine, using it to tie your invitations shut, or create a cute, rustic border around your guest’s name cards. You might even want to incorporate jute twine into your flower arrangements and bouquets as an extra touch.

Macrame decorations

Are you a lover of macrame? Or do you fancy uptaking a new crafting hobby? If this is the case, you can rely on jute twine to satisfy all of your macrame crafting needs.

Macrame is a textile technique produced by knotting twine, string, or any chosen material to create a pattern. Jute twine, along with macrame twine, works amazingly in macrame decorations to brighten up your living room or bedrooms. There are a variety of macrame-based decorations, from hanging plant pots, to dream catchers – macrame designs have endless possibilities.

Bracelets

Everyone loves a hand-made bracelet, so why not use jute twine to make yours, or surprise friends and family with a personalised gift. Grab your choice of coloured twine, pick out some pretty beads and get to work. How you make your bracelet is up to you, but if you’re looking for design inspiration, head on over to our previous blog post on how to make a friendship bracelet to support all of your crafting needs.

Present decorations

Jute twine is perfect for eco-friendly gift wrapping – especially when paired with biodegradable paper – and a go-to choice for lovers of the rustic aesthetic. Use this crafting saviour by wrapping it around presents to keep the paper secure, or use it to secure tags onto gifts and gift bags. So, next time you’re wrapping up a present for a loved one or a friend, bring a bit of jute twine to the table. You won’t regret it.

Can’t decide which jute twine to go for? Why not experiment with colours and opt for an assorted pack? Or, browse through some of our other ropes and twines to find the best crafting equipment for your next project. Let us help with your decision by getting in contact with our team of professionals today.

Posted on May 24, 2022July 22, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

Decking ideas for small gardens that are perfect for summer

As spring transitions into summer, and homeowners brace themselves for the return of garden parties and barbeques, it’s the perfect time to show off your outdoor space. However, for gardens that are on the smaller side, redesigning your set-up without minimising available room can often seem like an impossible task. That’s where we step in.

This collection of decking ideas – ideal for warmer seasons – should (hopefully) fill your mind with plenty of inspiration, so that you can start effortlessly transforming your small outdoor space.

Circular decking

Move away from traditional decking design and go circular, embracing geometric designs rather than hard edges. Used as a way to set your outdoor space apart from your neighbours, complete your modern set-up with angular furniture and a curved plant border to make your decking area a feature piece.

Complementary decking colour

Grey decking that oozes minimalist style

The colour you choose for your decking can completely transform your outdoor space, and with an ever-expanding list of tones and shades to take your pick from, it’s never been easier to complement your home’s aesthetic. Whether you opt for a minimalist grey, earthy browns, or even a striking dark blue, make sure to pick some garden furniture that blends beautifully with your chosen decking colour to avoid making your space look crowded.

Design a walk-way

Create a pathway to enhance garden space

Perfect for adding an element of playfulness to your garden, a path will trick the eye and create the illusion of increased space. Customise the surrounding area as you wish, perhaps framing your walkway with stones, tall plants and glowing floor lights to illuminate your garden.

Take your visitors on a sightseeing journey around your garden with a pathway that leads up to a featured seating area for kicking back and relaxing, or to a snap-worthy viewing point that’s worth showing off.

Multilevel decking

Compromised on space? The answer is multilevel decking. By establishing distinct zones for varying purposes – whether that’s a cooking area complete with a fire pit, or a seating area for some outdoor, summer relaxation – this is a great alternative for enhancing visual interest. Use steps or even a small bridge, made with wooden planks and decking ropes, to easily make your way between areas.

Enclosing your space

If you’re looking for extra privacy, there are plenty of creative methods to enclose your decking area. Decking ropes are brilliant for just this, which vary in material and thickness, so you can customise your garden space in a way that seamlessly blends in with your desired aesthetic.

From nautical-esque manilla decking ropes that certainly wouldn’t look out of place in a rural setting, to sisal decking ropes that are great for complementing timberwork, create a rope railing that best suits your preferences.

Choosing decking furniture

**Multifunctional outdoor furniture: storage bench**

Naturally, furniture preferences will vary between individuals, but for those with a smaller garden, we advise choosing compact furniture. These will be much easier to store away when summer skies turn to gloomy clouds, and they’ll make your decking area look much less cluttered.

Multifunctional outdoor furniture is another efficient way to maximise available space – who wouldn’t fall in love with a bench that can convert into a coffee table, or seats that open up to become storage units? Choose pieces that will make your life easier.

Lighting

Now that you’ve filled your decking area with plenty of outdoor furniture, it’s time to start adding the finishing touches. Lighting can completely change the mood, so why not show off your newly designed garden space with twinkling string lights? Ideal for hosting summer parties.

Keen to enhance your decking area? Get started today and explore our vast stock range of ropes and twines – we’ll have just what you need to start your next DIY project. Contact us today to find out more.

Posted on May 4, 2022July 22, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

How to create space decor for your home

Is reality getting you down? Fancy hopping in a spaceship and zooming off to another galaxy? For those who love a good crafting project, you’re sure to go all starry-eyed over these other-wordly space decor ideas for your home – perfect for adding a sense of playfulness to your space.

Star light garland

For walls that are looking a little drab, why not decorate with a twinkling star light garland? Either cascade from your bedroom ceiling to pretend you’re gazing up at the night sky, or hang in your living room to instantly transform an area from cold to cosy. If you’ve got some Christmas lights that are collecting dust in your attic, why not put them to good use and incorporate them into your star light garland design?

To start, get some crafting foam and cut out star shapes, adding a hole to the middle for the lights to be pushed through. After doing this, screw the bulb back into the cord.

Following a similar method – which is ideal for those who also love a bit of nautical home decor – use manilla rope to create a thicker garland, twisting some fairy lights around it to enhance the outer space aesthetic. Finally, attach your stars to the thicker rope with some cotton string, knotting each in place as you go along.

Planet mobile

Create your own mini solar system with this space mobile, using just a few simple tools. To begin, use a compass to sketch out your planets and sun onto a piece of white card. Once you’ve cut these out, you can paint them in a variety of different colours, using swirling and splodging techniques to add further depth.

To create a 3D effect – and to make your crafting project look all the more lifelike – you could make a slit from one edge of your planet to the centre, repeating the process with another circle template, slotting them together.

Next, make a small hole at the top of each planet, threading a piece of cotton string through, securing everything in place with a tight knot. The top of these pieces of string can then be attached onto a large circular cut out, made with a black piece of card – simply use a pin to make the small holes to indicate where you want your planets to hang.

Outer space sun catchers

There’s no need for a telescope with DIY cosmos sun catchers – bring the cosmos to your living room as the sun seeps through the magical kaleidoscope of colours.

For this space-themed project, you can upcycle some clear plastic plates or containers that are no longer in use, which will be your base. Purchase some stained glass paints in colours of your choice, some white acrylic paint, and some paint brushes so you can start bringing life to these captivating pieces. Of course, precision isn’t necessarily needed during the initial steps, as you’ll want the paints to collide with one another to give the impression of a swirling cosmos.

Once you’ve left your paint to dry overnight, you can sprinkle some acrylic paint diluted in water over the top to make your stars, using some glitter for an added touch of sparkle. Finally, cut out circles of varying diameters, and now you’re ready to stick these beauties to your window.

Constellation canvas

Unleash your inner artist and part-time astronomist with a lighted constellation canvas. Head over to your local craft store and locate a regular, white canvas (in a size of your choice) and a tub of black paint for the night sky you’re about to create.

Paint the entirety of your canvas black, and once this has dried, you can use a white marker pen to start sketching out your chosen constellation – armed with a reference image. This could be picked at random, or perhaps you’d like to choose one that belongs to your star sign?

Once you’ve finished sketching the constellation, punch some holes in the back of your canvas in areas where you’d like your lights to shine through. Now switch on those lights, find the perfect place to hang your fantastic new piece, and admire your outer space creation.

Galaxy drink coasters

In search of some quirky table accessories that are out of this world? Look no further than these creative DIY galaxy drink coasters.

Using an unfinished wooden coaster as your base, paint this black with some multi-surface paint. Once left to dry, use a sponge coated in shimmery paint to dab random splodges of colour over the top. Give your sponge a clean, and throw another colour into the mix – it’s okay if they start to overlap. For the galaxy look, add more black paint over the top, dabbing gently to create a cloudy, dream-like pattern.

Next, use glitter paint to add some stars, and – once left to dry – pour a thin layer of Mod Podge on top, spreading it right up to the edge of your coaster with a paintbrush. Leave for up to 24 hours, and now you’ve got yet another brand new piece of space inspired decor.

Here at Rope Source, we have everything you need for your next crafting project – whether you’re transforming your home decor or otherwise. Get in touch with our team today to discover quality ropes and twines.

Featured image credit: Mon Makes Things

Posted on April 9, 2022July 22, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

Craft twine ideas to keep the family busy

How do you and your family spend rainy days? The thought of having to stay indoors, desperately finding something to keep the kids occupied is enough to frazzle any parents – this tricky scenario is all too common. We’re here to provide you with a number of solutions, all of which will involve getting those crafting hats on for a spot of DIY. Craft twine can be incorporated into a number of creative projects, so pick your favourites and get stuck in.

Scrapbooking

Who doesn’t love a nostalgic scrapbooking session? If you’re looking for a place to store all of your favourite memories, other than Instagram, this could be the perfect crafting idea for you and the family. When you next head off on a day out, take a few snaps and find certain objects that will remind you of your trips – whether that’s leaves, pinecones or a postcard, the choice is yours to make. The key is to create a medley of textures, with each page being completely different to the next. Create your own stencils using natural cotton string, or stick a few snips of jute craft twine to the page, positioning these between other objects, for a rough feel.

Wall decor

Are your walls looking a little bland? We hope that your family will love this DIY craft string wall decor method as much as we do. Using a wood tile for the backing, a pencil to create your stencil, scissors, glue, and of course your craft twine to form a shape or word that’s meaningful to you; you can make something sentimental, and completely unique. For a splash of colour, decorate with stamps, paint and glitter. Don’t forget to secure a snip of twine to the back of your piece so that you can hang it up on the wall for all to admire.

Gift wrapping

Sometimes it’s not all about what’s inside the parcel, but how it looks when it’s first presented. Being a super simple craft – and a great way to teach the kids how to wrap their own presents – anyone and everyone can get involved. Use your twine to make gift tags, or wrap your gift up in a bow, weaving in pinecones or dry flowers for a rustic feel. When paired with recyclable kraft paper and plastic free tape, everything is completely biodegradable, too.

Twine bunting

Whether you’ve got a big celebration planned, or maybe you’re just looking for a way to spruce up your home’s interior, craft twine can be used to string together paper party bunting. Once you’ve drawn and cut out your bunting templates in a shape of your choice and have decorated them to your heart’s content, you can measure out the placement of the holes, marking each with an X. Use a paper punch to cut them out and measure out a suitable twine length – this will depend on how far you’d like your bunting to reach around the room. Then you can start stringing the twine underneath each piece of bunting to keep it hidden. Add tape as you go along to secure everything in place – a grown-up’s help may be needed for this bit.

Planters

For lovers of nautical home decor, a twine wrapped planter could be just the thing you need to finish off your table tops. Being yet another super simple method, all you’ll need to do is wrap twine around your plant pots, securing everything down every so often with a spot of glue (an adult can do this bit). Make sure there aren’t any gaps for a seamless finish.

Milk bottle vases

Got some empty milk or wine bottles that are taking up space? Why not put them to good use? A similar method can be used as above – either wrap your way from the bottom to the top, or paint your bottle and wrap your twine half way for some added interest.

Twine bracelets

If you’ve read our previous blog post on how to make a friendship bracelet, you’ll know that twine can be weaved in all sorts of wonderful ways, with each variation creating a different effect. We’ve already discussed how coloured macrame string and decorative braids can be used for this, but if you want to make a chunkier bracelet with added texture, twine is another option. Personalise yours as you wish by weaving in buttons or beads.

Looking for some more crafting ideas? Here at Rope Source, we have everything you need for your next DIY project. Get in touch with us today to discover the ideal resources for you.

Posted on April 7, 2022July 22, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

Top tips for new homeowners

We understand that moving house can be a stressful process; with so many factors to consider, it’s easy for your head to become scrambled. To help you prepare for your next chapter, we’ll be sharing our new homeowner tips to make a smooth transition. We’ll be covering everything from when and how to start planning, right the way through to the exciting part; decorating. Now that you’ve got your pen and paper at the ready, let’s get started.

How to plan moving out

It’s never too early to start planning the big move. It can be underestimated how long it takes to plastic wrap all of your valuables, form a collection of boxes in various different sizes, along with the tedious process of then labelling every box. Sounds draining, right? The key is to start as early as possible, creating a clear list of each task you need to complete before moving. You can then organise these based on priority. Nothing good comes from rushing, and you might even end up forgetting something. Take a gradual approach, hack away slowly, and try to keep calm.

Home removals

Now that all of your belongings are safely packed up in boxes, don’t risk playing Tetris in your boot. The process will be made much simpler when relying on the help of a removal company – make sure to book them in advance. To help out, dismantle larger items prior to your move to prevent walls getting scraped.

Cleaning

There’s no avoiding it, a big clean up of your new home will have to take place at some point. It’s easier to pay a visit before moving in (if possible) so that you can get everything looking shipshape, and you won’t need to worry about working around your furniture. If your home is a new build, check for any screws, nails or hooks on the floor, and give everything a good dusting.

Meeting the neighbours

Introducing yourself to the neighbours may seem like a daunting task, but if you avoid it, you could end up missing out on making friends for life. As cringy as it sounds, why not say hello armed with a plate of bakes, with the hope that they’ll return the favour at some point. Alternatively, if the weather is warm, organise a BBQ to show off that wonderful new garden of yours. Alongside the social benefits, you could also take the opportunity to ask them whether there are any plumbers or electricians they regularly rely on – which is ideal if you experience any future hiccups.

Decorating your new home

This is where you can start to turn your house into a home, and it’s the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity. Although it’s tempting to go overboard with brand new decor, why not save yourself some cash – and have a bit of fun – with a DIY project? For those who dream of a rustic aesthetic, get inspired and have a read of our previous blog post; simple nautical home decor ideas. Jute rope and manilla rope are ideal for home decor, so whether you choose to create a coaster, beachy mirror, or rope entry mat, let your imagination run wild. And don’t stop there. Kit out your new garden with decking ropes, outdoor furniture and twinkling fairy lights for ambiance. Need some inspiration? Head over to our previous blog post for some more fabulous decking for your garden ideas.

Homeowner’s journal

It’s likely that you’ll start collecting plenty of paperwork as you settle into your new home, but storing all documentation – from maintenance receipts to insurance papers – in a homeowner’s journal is a great way to stay organised.

From kitting out the inside of your home, to impressing your new neighbours with your garden decor skills, Rope Source has everything you need to get started. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our range of ropes, cords and twines!

Posted on March 20, 2022July 22, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

How to create a rainbow rope wall hanging

For all the crafting fanatics out there, this next DIY project certainly isn’t one to be missed. A rainbow rope wall hanging is ideal for adding a touch of playfulness to your home décor – be it for a child’s bedroom, for brightening up your lounge, or to be used as a fun gift to put a smile on a friend’s face. So, if you’re in search of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, this super simple method could be the one to clear away the clouds.

What will you need?

To craft your very own rainbow rope wall hanging, you’ll need:

Yarn in colours of your choice
Yarn needle
Twisted cotton rope
Floral wire
Wire cutters
Needle and thread
Masking tape
Glue gun
Upholstery needle and thread
Jute craft twine

The method

Sizing

Being inspired by Marching North’s crafting method, you’ll need to start by deciding on the size of your rainbow wall hanging. Be it a small complimentary hanging, or the focal point of a room, choose the length and width of your rope accordingly.

Lining up

Once you’ve cut your rope into five sections – with each one getting progressively shorter – and you’ve used some masking tape to secure the ends, line them up into the classic curved shape of a rainbow.

Fringing preparation

To get an even fringing, make sure that you’re lining your ropes up evenly. Armed with your pen, mark where you would like the yarn to begin and end.

Attaching the wire

Next up, it’s time to attach your floral wire to the cotton ropes. Cut your wire so that it’s long enough to fit within the two marks you previously made. Thread your wire through the rope’s middle to secure it in place, using small blobs of glue. as you go along

Wrapping

Starting with your longest piece of cotton rope, hold your first coloured yarn up to the first mark, wrapping it around until you reach the second mark. When you reach this point, tie a tight knot, snip your yarn and use your needle to thread down the end. Be sure to keep everything tight, covering the rope without any gaps, avoiding overlapping the yarn. Repeat this process with the other pieces of rope.

Assembling the rainbow

After completing the wrapping process for every piece of rope, it’s time to start sewing your rainbow together – you’re almost done now, promise. Beginning with your two smallest pieces of rope, sew them together in a zig-zag pattern, making sure to pull the thread tight with each stitch. This will be done at the back of your rainbow, so you can keep the front looking nice and neat, ready for your guests to admire. After you’ve repeated this process the whole way around, secure in place with a tight knot (using some glue to ensure that nothing will come undone) and begin working on your next piece of rope, eventually stacking each part of your rainbow together.

Jute hanger

By this stage, your crafting project should really start coming together. However, the process wouldn’t be complete without a hanging mechanism. Jute craft twine is the ideal material for this- due to its durability and strength- so you won’t need to worry about your rainbow wall hanging crashing down to the floor. Your jute hanger only needs to be about five inches long, so once you’ve snipped off a piece, double it over and secure with an overhand knot. Sew this into the back of your rainbow, adding some glue for additional durability.

Fringing

Now you can remove your masking tape from the ends of your rope to start creating the fringing for some added interest. To do this, separate the loose strands using a comb, fluffing each piece up as you go along.

And there you have it! A super easy method, yet impressive result. All you need to do now is decide where to position your rainbow rope wall hanging, but we’ll leave that part up to you.

For more advice on the best materials to incorporate into your next big crafting project, get in touch with a friendly member of our team today! Being rope experts, we’ve got just about everything you could need to get the job done.

Featured photo source: Marching North.

Posted on February 18, 2022March 9, 2022 by Rope Source — Leave a comment

What should be in your fishing kit?

If you’re a first time angler and keen to land a catch, it’s essential that you do your homework and build your fishing checklist before heading for the water. Thankfully, we’re here to help you with that step, covering what should be in your fishing kit to guarantee that the whole process runs swimmingly.

Tackle box

A tackle box is an efficient storage solution for all of your fishing must-haves, fitted with different compartments that keep items separate. The avid fisher knows that organisation is key when it comes to making a catch, so make sure to stay on top of this before heading off. Items that you could include in your tackle box are:

Additional fishing line
Floaters
Weights
Hooks
Bait
Small torch
Suncream

Fishing rod and reel

If you’re only now dipping your toe into the fishing world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of rods and reels that are out there. With so many different sizes and styles to choose from, how can you possibly go about finding the one? Quality is always key when it comes to making the selection, but try not to invest in a design that’s overly complex and difficult to navigate.

When it comes to finding the right length, you’ll need to establish what type of fishing you’ll be doing. For example, longer rods are designed for longer casts, whereas rods on the shorter side do limit how far you can throw the line, but they are easier to control. Whichever fishing rod you decide to go for, it should definitely be included in your fishing kit. If you miss this off your checklist, you won’t be catching anything anytime soon.

Fishing line

Fishing line will connect the bait to your fishing rod, which can then be cast at different distances to tempt a fish, hopefully leading to a winning catch. Just as before, it can be incredibly hard to make a final decision when there are so many varieties of fishing line available. Once you’re aware of the key factors to look out for, this job can be made so much easier.

Firstly, you’ll need to evaluate the fishing line’s strength (which is measured in pounds). Your choice here will ultimately depend on the species of fish you’re going after, with bigger fish requiring a stronger line. At the same time, the key to fishing is to travel light, so make your choice wisely.

Secondly, the fishing line’s material. Nylon is the most commonly used fibre, offering plenty of flexibility and strength. With this being a material that’s been used for centuries, there are newer brands coming into the mix, such as Spectra and Dyneema. Through high-tech technologies, they’ve been able to produce an ultra-strong polyethylene fibre that’s able to float as a result of its lightness. Alongside bearing the castability, line memory (whether it retains its shape after casting) and line stretch in mind, you should be on your way to selecting the best fishing line.

Floats

So, what else should be in your fishing kit? Next up on the checklist are floats. These will be attached to the end of your fishing line, used to show whether a fish has become interested in your bait. If you see this bobbing up and down, you’re in luck! There are different sizes of fishing floats that each have varying uses, with some being more ideal for certain weather conditions or in certain areas. Again, you’ll need to firstly establish how and where you’ll be fishing, making your choice accordingly.

Landing net

A landing net is another fishing essential, so don’t forget to bring one along with you. This will be used to safely hold the fish so that you can take a peek at it before releasing it back into its habitat. Before purchasing this, consider the species that you’re intending on catching, which will consequently affect the size of the net mesh and of the net as a whole. Just as before, bigger species will require stronger nets, and those of the small variety won’t require something with as much strength and size.

Bait

From live baits to grocery baits, you won’t be able to tempt a fish without offering it a tasty snack first. Whether you’re planning on getting rid of some fish-friendly food waste, such as hot dogs, cheese, or frozen shrimp, or maybe you can get your hands on some live bait, such as worms, minnows, leeches or frogs, your choice may depend on how squeamish you are. Luckily there are plenty of options out there to suit every fish and fisher alike.

DIY fishing rod rack

For items that you can’t fit in your tackle box – such as your fishing rod – keep them secure and organised by making a DIY fishing rod rack; polypropylene ropes are ideal for the purpose, with their strength, durability and flexibility.

If you look at the back seat of your car, there’s a handle situated near the roof that’s often used as a makeshift clothes hanger. In this scenario, it’ll act as the base for your DIY rod rack. To begin crafting this handy piece of equipment, choose a long rope that can fit the width of your car, stretch it across from one side to the other, looping each end through the handles we mentioned.

Next, bring the two ends of the rope together into the middle and use hooks to secure them in place, sliding them out of the way once you’re done.

After testing the tension of your rope fishing rod rack and ensuring that everything is firm, you can carefully slide your fishing rod or rods between the cord and roof of the car, with the eyelets facing downwards. A simple yet cost-effective solution.

DIY rope shelter

If you’ve read our previous post that highlights the different rope types and their strength, you’ll know that polyester rope and tarp will be your saving grace when it comes to sheltering from inevitable British showers, due to its durability and strength. When you’re out fishing, it’s highly likely that the weather will turn at some point in the day, so you’ll need to be prepared – regardless of the season.

Some polyester rope, a pair of trees to tie your cord around and a sheet of tarpaulin work together to create the perfect fishing DIY tarpaulin shelter, keeping the ground beneath your feet and your fishing equipment dry, whatever the weather.

You can rely on rope source to find all of the materials you need for your next fishing adventure, crafting project, or for within the workplace. Give us a call today to find the materials best suited for the job at hand.