Category: Crafting

Looking for gift wrapping ideas that show someone just how much you care?

Gift wrapping is more than just covering a present – it’s a thoughtful way to elevate the act of giving. A beautifully wrapped gift shows you’ve put in extra effort, making the moment even more special for the person receiving it. 

One of the simplest, yet most charming, ways to finish your wrapping is with a twine bow. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, natural look or something more festive, twine adds a timeless and classic touch to your present.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tie a bow with twine, starting from the basics of wrapping a gift to crafting the perfect bow. Let’s get started!

What do you need to wrap a present?

Before you jump straight into wrapping your gifts, it’s handy to have everything you need prepared and at the ready. This includes: 

• Twine 
• Scissors
• Wrapping paper 
• Clear tape
• Gift tags or other decorative items

How to wrap a present

Presentation is key when giving a gift, as a rushed job or messy finish could make it look like you haven’t put any effort in. However, it’s time we admit that wrapping gifts is often harder than it looks. 

But fear not! This season of giving, we’ve broken down how to wrap a present in just three easy-to-follow steps:

Step 1: Choose your wrapping paper

The first step in wrapping a present is choosing your wrapping paper. When wrapping gifts with twine, brown paper is often the favoured choice, as it gives a more rustic, classic finish. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. 

Select a wrapping paper that suits the occasion, the gift-receiver, your gift, or simply just what you have on hand. Remember that as long as it’s wrapped well, and it all comes together in the end with your choice of twine, it doesn’t really matter. 

Step 2: Measure and cut the paper

Once you have your wrapping paper to hand, it’s time to measure and cut it. 

Place the gift in the centre of the paper, and roll it over all sides to measure how much paper you’ll need to cover it. Now you know how much paper you’ll need, allow a little extra around the edges for folding, and cut the paper to size. 

Step 3: Wrap the gift

And now to the final step – actually wrapping the gift!

Place the gift face down on the wrapping paper and fold one side of the paper over it, securing it with a small piece of clear tape. Then, fold the opposite side of the paper over, pulling it snug against the present, and tape it down. 

Next, for each loose end, fold each corner inwards towards the gift, to create a triangular flap on each side of the gift. If you’re taking it slowly, you can tape the two corners together, to prevent the triangle from unfolding. 

Finally, fold the triangular flaps up towards the present and tape the top corner of each triangle onto the gift. Turn the gift upside down and voila – a perfectly wrapped present!   

How to tie a twine bow on a present

Whilst you could just leave it there with your gift wrapping, nothing says “look at how much effort I put in” quite like finishing it with a twine bow. 

Whilst this may seem quite fiddly, the end result surely makes it up for it! Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to tying a twine bow on a present:

Step 1: Select your twine 

When it comes to picking twine for gift wrapping, there really isn’t a wrong option (quite like when picking your wrapping paper). However, you do want your twine to look cohesive with your wrapping paper. 

If you opted for the classic brown paper, then you could stick with the rustic theme by choosing natural jute twine. Or, you could add a pop of colour with some seasonal Christmas twine or shiny and decorative ribbon twine. 

Whatever twine you choose, remember to pick a colour or pattern that both matches the aesthetic of your wrapping paper, but also doesn’t blend in with it. 

Step 2: Cut the twine

Now that you’ve chosen your twine, you need to cut it to length. 

Measure around three times the width, and then cut the twine to that length. Remember that you can always trim the twine later if needed, but you can’t add more on. 

Step 3: Wrap the twine

Once your twine is cut, it’s time to wrap it onto the gift. 

Place the centre of the twine on top of the present. Wrap it around the front of the gift, cross it at the back and wrap it back around. 

Step 3: Tie a basic knot

Then you need to secure the knot in place. 

Once the twine is wrapped around the gift and back at the front, tie a simple knot to secure it. 

Step 4: Create the bow

Finally, it’s time to create the bow you’ve been working towards. 

This is done the same way as tying your shoes. Make two loops, like bunny ears, with the wine. Then, cross one loop over the other and tuck it beneath. Pull both loops to tighten the bow. 

Fluff the loops to your desired shape and size, and trim the ends of the twine if they’re too long or uneven

Step 5: Add final touches

After you’ve finished wrapping your present with a twine bow, you can add some finishing touches. This is completely optional, but it adds a unique, personal touch to your gift. 

Here you could attach a gift tag with a heartfelt message, along with your name and the recipient’s, or you could add other decorative elements, such as tucking springs of greenery or flowers underneath the time and onto the present. 

Frequently asked questions 

What is the best twine to use for gift wrapping? 

There are no rules when it comes to choosing which twine to use for gift wrapping. From bakers twine and garden twine to craft twine, the choice is completely yours – there is no “best twine” to use. 

How can you prevent a twine bow from coming loose? 

If you’re concerned about your twine bow coming loose, then we recommend double-knotting as you go. With the first simple knot, tie it twice, and do the same for the bow knot. 

What can I use instead of twine for gift wrapping?

If you don’t have twine for gift wrapping, fear not – there are other options available. Ribbon is a common substitute for twine gift wrapping, especially during the festive period, but you could also use other things such as fabric or just some household cotton string. 

What other things can you use twine for?

Twine has a wide range of uses, from tying up meat for cooking to supporting the plants in your garden – it doesn’t always have to be crafty! We have a wide range of blog posts on uses for different types of twines, such as what is flax twine and what can it be used for and 8 amazing ideas for jute twine crafts. 

Gift wrapping is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the different things you can do with twine! Explore our blog for more insights into twine crafts, or contact our helpful team today for advice on what twine to use for your next project.

Want a stylish new accessory without breaking the bank? Unleash your inner boho vibes with a handmade rope headband! Using any ropes or twines you may have left over, you can craft a custom headband that’s cheap, quick and easy to make. Plus, it makes the perfect handmade gift for your fashion-loving friends. Continue reading to find out how to make a rope headband in just a few simple steps.

How to make a rope headband

Learn how to make a rope headband that will look great with any outfit. Grab your materials and follow the straightforward instructions below.

What you need to make a rope headband

• Two strands of rope
• Glue gun
• Hot knife rope cutter sealer or scissors
• Hair bobble

1. Choose your rope

First and foremost, you’ll need to choose your rope of choice. There are so many different styles, thicknesses and colours of rope, so you can customise your rope headband to suit you. Try a soft cotton braided rope for a thick and comfortable headband, or use some chunky bakers twine for a slightly thinner band. If you want to get fancy with your rope headband, try some metallic or sparkle bakers twine. You’ll be sure to catch eyes in a shiny new headband!

2. Create a knot in the rope

Leaving around 8-10 inches on one side of the rope, begin creating a figure-8 knot. We’ll run through the steps below.

• Create a loop with the rope, leaving 8-10 inches to the side of the rope
• Pass the end of the rope underneath, creating a figure-8 shape
• Bring the rope end through the top loop, completing the 8

Take care not to pull the knot too tight, as you will need to thread a second rope through this knot.

3. Repeat the same with the second rope

With your second strand of rope, match the original figure-8 shape. Simply pull your second rope through one of the loops and follow the knot around so the two ropes intertwine. You should now have the two ropes joined together by the figure-8 knot. Squeeze both ends of the rope so that they are tight enough not to fall apart. 

4. Cut the ropes to size

Measure the rope headband against your head, with the knot positioned where you would like it to sit. Mark the areas where you’ll need to trim the rope. Then, arrange your headband into a loop, and position your hair bobble where you would like the rope ends to meet. Take away the length of the hair bobble from your rope and then trim them to size. If you are using synthetic rope, a hot knife rope cutter will seal your rope ends with heat and ensure they don’t fray, leaving you with a durable headband. However, if you are using natural rope to craft your headband, you should not use a hot knife – opt for scissors or a sharp craft knife instead. 

5. Attach the hair bobble

Using your hot glue gun, attach each end of the rope headband to opposite sides of the hair bobble. If you are using a thinner rope or twine, you could also tie the rope to the hair bobble for extra strength. Let the glue completely dry before you wear the headband – you don’t want to end up with glue stuck in your hair!

6. Style and wear your new rope headband

With your new rope headband freshly crafted, all that’s left to do is choose the perfect outfit to wear with your headband. If you want another matching accessory, find out how to make a friendship bracelet that you and your friends can wear alongside your rope headbands. 

Ropes can be used for all sorts of crafts; just take a look at our rope decor ideas for your next home DIY project. But the fun doesn’t end there, with countless ideas such as a rope picture frame and other uses for decorative rope.

Are you looking for a unique, creative way to display your artwork or photographs? Rope picture frames are perfect for those who want to get crafty with their home decor. Ropes, twines and cords can be used in a multitude of ways around the home, including to decorate picture frames. All you need is an existing picture frame, and the world’s your oyster! Read on to discover the different ways that you can decorate a picture frame with rope. 

How to make a rope picture frame

A rope picture frame couldn’t be easier to craft. All you’ll need is your rope of choice, a picture frame, a hot glue gun, and a knife to cut the rope. We recommend a hot knife rope cutter sealer, as this will prevent frayed ends and will make your picture frame look much neater. This craft can work with any choice of rope or twine, so there are countless different styles of picture frame that you can create. Here’s a step-by-step on how to create your rope picture frame:

1. Glue the end of the rope to the outside edge of your picture frame to create a border around it. This is optional – you can just start on the front face of your frame if preferred. Try to keep the rope as straight as possible, bending tightly around corners. Once you have glued the rope all round the edges of the frame, cut the rope with your knife cutter and glue the final part down. 
2. Now, it’s time for the front of the frame. If you created a rope border around the edge of the picture frame, start your front row of rope in the same corner that you did for the border. Glue the end of the rope down and begin creating a row, ensuring there are no gaps between the rope border and your new row.
3. Continue glueing the rope to the frame, creating a row around the circumference of your picture frame. Once one row has been completed, you can move inwards for the second row, in a sort of spiral pattern. Be sure to keep the rows tight together without any gaps, and keep glueing the rope until you reach the centre of the frame. 
4. Once you have covered all of the space on your frame, cut off the excess rope and make sure that it is securely glued down. You should now have a beautiful rope picture frame.

Rope picture frame inspiration

Love the idea of a rope picture frame, but not sure how to match it to your aesthetic? Worry not, as no two rope frames are the same. Whether you want a rustic look or a high-end, sophisticated frame, the type of rope you use will aid you in your goals. Keep reading for some inspiration for the type of rope frame you could create.

Gold rope picture frame

If you want to add some extra glitz and glamour to your home, then a gold rope picture frame is perfect. By using the method described above, you can use gold cord to turn your picture frame from drab to dazzling. If you want a more subtle golden look, then a gold sparkle bakers twine is perfect for creating a dainty picture frame.

Don’t just limit yourself to gold – try a stunning sparkle bakers twine in any colour you like for gorgeous glittering frames around your pictures. 

Cowboy rope picture frame

If you love the Western aesthetic, then creating a cowboy rope picture frame is the perfect way to highlight your photos and artwork. Cowboys often use natural hemp rope or nylon rope to create their lassos. So, using these kinds of rope to decorate your picture frames is a great way to pay homage to your favourite Western movies.

Nautical rope picture frame

Why not create a nautical theme within your home with a rope picture frame? Used for docking boats or general boating chores, a dock line or mooring rope will impress the boating fanatics in your life. Plus, these types of rope are incredibly durable and long-lasting, making a great investment in your home décor that can be used time and time again.

Interested in some more fun and fresh rope crafts? Take a look at some of the best uses for decorative rope, or check out some jute twine crafts. To enquire about our variety of ropes, twines, and cords, get in touch.

When you’ve put a lot of thought into buying the perfect gift, sometimes you want to go a step further with your wrapping, too. Gift wrapping ideas can be hard to come by, especially if you have lots of different gifts to wrap. Read on for ten beautiful gift wrapping ideas that will make your recipient feel special.

1) Tea towel wrapping

Everyone will appreciate an extra tea towel in their home, and they can make a practical yet attractive gift. Choose a tea towel with a lovely pattern or colour palette, and use this to wrap your gift. This works especially well if your presents are kitchen themed, but it can be used for anything. Simply secure it with some gorgeous twine, and you have a quick and easy gift wrapping solution without the need for any tape. Your recipient is bound to love the extra gift, and this gift wrapping technique is also eco-friendly. You can find some more eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas in our blog post.

2) 3D gift wrapping

Who says that gift wrapping needs to be 2-dimensional? With this creative gift wrapping idea, you can create stunning 3D gift wrap that’ll bring a smile to anyone’s face. Take a look at the above example – you can try adding a toy car to your gift for a present that we doubt they’ll have ever seen before! This hack can be done in so many ways, too. You could use any small toy or figurine that you wish, or try fastening a small gift to the outside of your main present to kill two birds with one stone.

3) Metallic detailing

Sometimes, less is more. If you want an understated gift wrapping idea that still looks like you’ve put effort in, then this could be the perfect gift wrap design. Simply take some plain wrapping paper (brown looks particularly good) and draw on your own accents using a metallic pen. This simple hack really elevates your gift wrap and is very simple to do. Plus, you can pair it with some metallic bakers twine for an added flourish.

4) Watercolour paper

If you’re a fan of DIY crafts, then this gift wrapping tip could be ideal for you. Let your creative juices flow by using watercolour paints to create your own stunning gift wrap. This adds a personal touch to your gift wrapping, since it’s all been made by you. Plus, you can choose any colour scheme or patterns that you like! Just be sure to let your paper dry properly before you wrap your gifts.

5) Use photographs

Looking for a personal way to make your gift wrapping really shine? Simply print out a photograph of your choice and fasten it to your gift. You could use string or twine to hold it in place, so that you don’t risk damaging it by using tape, and your recipient can keep the photo as an added extra. Polaroid style photographs look especially good when using this technique.

6) Newspaper wrapping

Wrapping gifts in newspaper is one of the oldest tricks in the book when you find yourself without any wrapping paper. But, this hack can actually look amazing when executed right. A page that’s filled with mostly black and white text can look incredible when paired with some coloured twine or ribbon for a pop of colour. Or, keep with neutral tones and tie off with some natural macrame twine to add to the classic feel of your gift wrap.

7) Use map prints

Perfect for the travel fanatics in your life, why not try wrapping gifts in a map? You can print your own online or use a map that you just have lying around. A vintage map with some flax twine can create a classic, antique feel to your gift wrapping, while a newer map can be a fun, bright way of wrapping your gifts. You could even choose a map of a location that holds special memories between you and the recipient – it won’t go unnoticed.

8) Display your jewellery

If you’re treating that special someone to some gorgeous new jewellery, why not show it off as much as possible? This gift wrapping tip includes using jewellery, such as a bracelet or ring, to tie your gift wrapping together. Like seen in the example above, you can use a gorgeous piece of jewellery as an accent on your gift, holding it in place with some decorative ribbon twine. You’re bound to impress with your luxurious gift wrapping, and the recipient will be thrilled when they learn that they get to keep it in the end. 

9) Wax seal stamp

If you’re looking for a signature way to wrap all of your gifts, then this gift wrapping idea is ideal. Simple use a wax seal stamp to fasten together your wrapping paper or twine for a vintage yet personal look. You can get custom wax stamps of pretty much any design you like, and use it again and again to put your stamp on the gifts you wrap. These wax seals often look better with plain wrapping paper or a subtle pattern so that they can be the star of the show.

10) Snowflake accent

Most people have fond childhood memories of creating adorable paper snowflakes. They’re incredibly simple to make, and add a gorgeous accent to any gift. All you have to do is cut out your snowflake and secure it to your present with some natural cotton string or any twine you like. This is a cheap and easy way to embellish your gift wrapping – why not give it a go? If you’d like more wrapping ideas for Christmas, then give our other article a read or take a look at our range of Christmas twines.

Ropes, twines and cords can be used in so many different ways around the home and in your projects. If you’d like to find out more about what we have on offer, get in touch.

Decorative ropes are incredibly versatile and can be used for all sorts of crafts and DIY projects. No matter your skill level, a good quality decorative rope can be used to transform existing items or create brand new crafts. From flip flops to table legs, read on for 10 of the best uses for decorative rope.

1. Trimmings

Want to spruce up your furniture on a budget? Decorative rope can be used to add stylish trimmings to any furniture or curtains in your home. Strong decorative ropes, like this coloured cotton sash cord, come in over 30 colours and are the perfect choice for creating DIY trimmings. Whatever your home’s aesthetic, you’ll be sure to find the perfect colour to complement your existing furniture. Or, if you prefer a more rustic design, you could opt for a neutral decorative rope that will add a lovely texture to your furniture without being overpowering.

2. Clothes and accessories

For all the budding fashion designers out there, rope can be an exciting textile to work with. Whether you’re crafting bag handles or experimenting with a rope belt, decorative poly braids are the perfect choice for this. You could even create some cool rope jewellery – friendship bracelets are a simple yet cute accessory that make the perfect gift..

A helpful hack that’ll save you when summer rolls around is rope flip flops. Simply use your decorative rope to reinforce the thong of your flip flops, or replace it altogether. All it takes is a couple of simple knots!

3. Gift wrapping

Ever rushed to wrap a birthday present, but there’s no tape or wrapping paper to hand? If you’re caught in a pinch, neatly tying a gift with decorative rope can act as an embellishment to replace traditional wrapping. You can also use rope to tie paper around a gift, with no need for tape or adhesive.This provides you a great opportunity to try out some eco-friendly gift wrapping techniques, and it’s reusable too.

4. Fancy dress

Rope is a versatile material that you can use for pretty much any costume. Because decorative rope is often much softer than your run-of-the-mill natural rope, it won’t irritate your skin when wearing it. If you’re attending a Toga party anytime soon, a stunning gold cord is the best solution for tying your outfit together. For those of you really looking to impress, it’s even possible to create a puppet costume with ropes that control your arms and legs.

5. Macramé

There are so many macramé craft ideas out there for you to get stuck right into. It’s a really simple craft that’s ideal for beginners, and you can make just about anything, from macramé bags to wall hangings. You can use virtually any rope for these crafts, but there is also specialist macramé twine for more advanced macramé artists.

6. Seasonal decorations

Metallic decorative braids are the perfect way to create some seasonal cheer in your house. Grab some silver and gold braid to craft some handmade Christmas decorations – you can even use them as an eco-friendly substitute for plastic tinsel. Not to mention, this braid is gorgeous for wrapping Christmas presents that you want to sparkle and shine.

Decorative rope is also great for Halloween decorations – create a quick and easy giant spider’s web with any kind of rope you have on hand! We have lots of homemade Halloween craft ideas, and many of these can be repurposed for different occasions, too.

If you want attractive decorations that won’t go out of season, metallic braids can also be used to create space-themed decorations that are truly out of this world.

7. Around your garden

A popular garden DIY craft is using decorative rope to make a fence that can be placed around decking or the perimeters of your land. A good, sturdy rope is ideal for creating a decorative rope fence for visitors to use when exploring your garden, especially if the ground is uneven. They’ll also make your decking look more attractive, and you can incorporate bold colours to make your decorative garden rope fence stand out.

Decorative rope can also be used around your garden to build DIY furniture, such as rope chairs and outdoor ottomans. You don’t need to sacrifice bright colours when using decorative rope for these crafts, and our ropes are incredibly sturdy and waterproof to withstand all weather conditions.

8. Rope signs

Decorative rope is a reliable and charming way to hang signs both indoors and outdoors. Whether for a business or inside your home, decorative rope’s a simple solution for hanging any sign or picture frame on walls.

However, ropes can be used for much more than just hanging signs. You can create your own patterns or messages by glueing decorative rope to a board to create a customised sign. Decorative rope is really easy to manipulate, so crafters of any skill set can try their hand at creating a stunning rope sign. Make sure to craft your rope sign on a flat surface so you can lay out your chosen design before sticking it down to make sure you’re happy with it.

9. DIY home furnishings

There really are no limits to how rope can be used for DIY home furniture design. Simply grab your decorative rope and set it into a coil shape to create a simple rope bowl – perfect for storing keys or nick nacks. A similar technique is used to create plant pots, vases or lampshades from rope – all you need is rope and glue. You can also use rope to replace drawer handles – this feature can create a seaside feel when combined with other simple nautical home decor ideas.

If you want more of a challenge, why not create a large rug with your decorative rope? It’s pretty simple – just lay the rope in your desired spiral and adhere it together. If you still want to go bigger, try embellishing table legs by wrapping them with decorative rope.

10. Pet accessories

Pets can be destructive, so consistently buying more toys and accessories for them gets pretty expensive. Luckily, lots of pet accessories can be DIYed using decorative rope. You’ll never run out of your pet’s favourite rope chew toy, as decorative rope can be bought in rolls of up to 100m.

A rope basket is a great way to store pet toys that won’t get damaged easily if your pet likes to chew things. Decorative rope is waterproof and incredibly durable, so no need to worry about damage from slobbering mouths. Speaking of chewing – you can create a simple chew toy for your pet by tying two knots at each end of a length of rope. Perfect for tug of war!

Some more accessories that are easy to DIY are cat scratching posts and dog leashes. As your pet engages in some wear and tear, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your leash or toy can be replaced within minutes with some rope.

Not sure where to buy decorative rope? Look no further – we have a gigantic collection of ropes, twines and cords for all your home and garden improvement needs. Contact us to order your supply of decorative rope.

What is hessian fabric?

Hessian fabric is a completely biodegradable material made from natural jute or sisal fibres. These fibres are woven together to form a strong breathable fabric. Hessian can withstand condensation and rough handling, making them popular for frost sheets and protecting outdoor items.

What is the difference between hessian and jute?

Hessian, although made from jute, has a different composition to regular jute material. Hessian is a finer form of jute – this is what makes it breathable – whereas jute itself is coarser. Both types have benefits, but hessian’s finer jute weave improves its storage capabilities due to having a greater air flow.

Uses of hessian fabric and hessian rolls

You may or may not have heard of hessian fabric, but there are actually a lot of uses for this biodegradable material. We have put together a list of uses for your hessian fabric:

Crafts

Hessian rolls are perfect for craft and home decor. Whether you’re repurposing your garden hessian sacks, or purchasing some new coloured hessian rolls, both are great for crafting. Make anything from hessian Christmas stockings and decorations, to everyday homeware items such as placemats and coasters. There are lots of different craft ideas to choose from.

Upholstery projects

If you have any upholstery projects, you can use hessian for these too. Padding chairs and sofas with hessian roll, or covering them with your choice of hessian, makes for a great addition to your home. Get in touch with your sustainable side and use hessian fabric on or in your furniture.

Hessian sacks

A common use of hessian is to form sacks. Hessian sacks can be used in a variety of ways and can also be reused over and over again – making them extremely sustainable. Due to the breathability of hessian sacks, they can be used to safely store rice, coffee, potatoes and other food items, and they’re great for storing outdoor possessions. Some hessian sacks are also rot proof, making them even more compatible with food and possession storage, and they can even be used for sack races on sports day, too.

These sacks can also be filled with sand to make hessian sandbags. These are great if you live in an area that is likely to flood, or if you want to give sandbag exercises a go to spice up your workouts.

Agricultural uses

Apart from storing the things you’ve grown, you can also use hessian fabric, and sacks, as grow bags. Hessian is the perfect material for a grow bag due to its breathability and its ability to protect plants from frost or other extreme weather conditions. Hessian rolls can also be wrapped around exposed roots to make transporting and replanting plants easier – prevents crop damage. As hessian is biodegradable, it ensures that everything in your garden remains natural.

Exposure protection

Used for both construction and agricultural purposes, hessian frost sheets are an ideal form of protection. Hessian can also withstand many other forms of extreme weather, such as heat, so keeping your items wrapped up in hessian is very beneficial.

Hopefully we have convinced you that hessian can have a wide range of uses. So, why not take a look at our hessian range? If you have any questions, our team is always on hand to help with any enquiries. Get in touch today.

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.

Origin of the friendship bracelet

The origin of the friendship bracelet is thought to have started with the Indigenous Peoples in Central and South America, being a common tradition that symbolised the bonding of souls. It honours the energy and time put into a friendship, used as a meaningful gift that would be worn with pride. 

They have made a lasting impact too, with friends continuing to craft their very own friendship bracelets for each other to show just how much they care well into the 21st century. Whether as a birthday present, for a special occasion, or simply an excuse to get involved with a touch of crafting, they make the perfect gift. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to create one, you’ve come to the right place. 

What will you need to make a friendship bracelet?

Before you start weaving, make sure to get your crafting tools together. Thankfully, you won’t be needing an awful lot for this delightfully simple DIY project. Coloured macrame string or decorative braids are ideal to use when crafting your friendship bracelet, as they come in an array of colours, they’re versatile, and slide effortlessly between the fingers. With so many combinations to choose from, you’ll be able to make your design completely unique. 

Now you’ve got the string, grab yourself some masking tape or a safety pin to keep everything in place whilst making the braid. This is a crucial step (especially for beginners), because it means you can focus all of your attention on the weaving process, rather than struggling to hold everything in place.

Finally, and this step is optional, you could incorporate letter beads and charms into your friendship bracelet for added personalisation. This will ultimately depend on your friend’s style, so choose whatever you think they would like best. Weave into any of the following designs as you see fit.

Friendship bracelet patterns

Alternating half hitch

To make a friendship bracelet with an alternating half hitch pattern, you’ll need to cut two strands of string in colours of your choice to around 5 foot long. Begin by making your loop by folding the top of the string in half, knotting in place in the middle. As mentioned previously, secure everything down with tape so that you can get an even braid. 

For the half hitch tie, you’ll need to make a clockwise loop with the string on your left (we’ll call this cord 2), wrapping it around cord one whilst holding everything tight. Now, use a similar technique with cord 1, this time making a counter-clockwise loop. Tighten as before. 

Alternate until you reach the end of your string. Et voila! 

5-strand braid

As the name suggests, you’ll need to start with five different shades of string to make your braid for the perfect colour explosion. Begin by snipping your string into ten pieces (which will be two per colour) to around 32” in length. Group your colours together, tying a knot at the top and securing down as with the alternating half hitch. 

Take the far left string and loop underneath the adjacent strand, then go over the next strand. Repeat this process on the other side, continuing with the under-over motion. 

Zipper bracelet

To make the zipper friendship bracelet, knot and secure two string cuttings for the top of your braid. Take the string on your left and make a forward backward knot around your base string, bringing it back to the side you originally started on. Repeat the process with your other string and tie a knot once you’ve reached the end.

Spiral staircase

For this next friendship bracelet pattern, get three colours of string and make your loop at the top to begin braiding. Separate one string apart from the other two and loop over both of them, pulling through to bring it back to the side you started on. Repeat this as many times as you like (the more you do it, the longer the chunk of colour will be), continuing on the process with the other two colours. 

From crafting friendship bracelets to aiding your work life, we have ropes, twines, cords and more to suit all of your needs. Get in touch with us today to find the materials for your next project.