Category: Ropes

If you’re looking for more information about flax twine, you’ve come to the right place. This nifty type of twine has many uses, which we discuss further in this blog post. Learn what flax twine is, as well as some clever ways to use flax twine around the home and garden.

What is flax twine?

Flax twine is a strong thread-like material that’s made from a plant called flax. Flax has been cultivated for thousands of years for the use of its versatile fibres. To create flax twine, the fibres are first extracted from the flax plant’s stem. These fibres are then spun together to create flax twine, creating a twine that’s thin, strong, and resistant to breaking and stretching.

Flax twine is a natural twine, therefore it is light brown in colour and has a slightly rough texture. Due to these qualities, flax twine gives a perfectly rustic look to any craft or project. If this aesthetic is your cup of tea, take a look at these five rustic design ideas for your home.

What is polished flax twine?

Polished flax twine refers to flax twine that has undergone a finishing process to enhance its appearance and smoothness. The twine will undergo either chemical or mechanical processes which leave the twine feeling smoother. Polished flax twine is most often used for upholstery and stitching, since its smooth texture won’t irritate the skin as much as untreated flax twine might.

What is the difference between rope and twine?

There are a few main differences between rope and twine, such as:

Thickness

Rope is much thicker than twine, with diameters typically ranging between 6mm and 28mm. On the flip side, twine can be as thin as 1mm in diameter, ranging up to approximately 3mm thick. As you can see, twines are much thinner than ropes. 

Material

Both rope and twine can be made from many different materials, including both natural and synthetic fibres. The material used will usually depend on the intended application. Since twines are normally used for decorative or light-duty purposes, they are more likely to be made from natural fibres such as flax, natural cotton, jute or sisal.

Strength

Whilst both ropes and twines provide strength and durability for their intended purposes, ropes are a lot stronger than twine. This is due to a combination of the materials and thickness of the rope, meaning it is capable of holding large loads. 

Uses

Rope is commonly used in activities such as climbing, sailing, construction, agriculture, and other heavy-duty applications. It is also utilised for making nets, rigging, and in industrial settings. Twine, with its lighter and more flexible nature, is often used in packaging, arts and crafts, gardening, and smaller-scale applications where less strength is required.

What is flax twine used for?

Flax twine can be used for many different purposes, which we will outline below.

1. Gardening

Flax twine is commonly used for tying plants to stakes, trellises, or other plants. The strong natural fibres ensure your plants will remain in place despite adverse weather conditions such as wind. Because flax twine is made from plants, it is eco-friendly and will biodegrade without leaving waste in your garden. You can also use flax twine to bundle together herbs, flowers and other plants that you pick from your garden.

What kind of twine should I use for gardening?

Flax twine is perfect for gardening due to its natural fibres and strong, durable characteristics. This twine can be used for tying plants to all kinds of surfaces without damaging them, and is also biodegradable. However, if you don’t have flax twine on hand, another strong natural fibre will do the trick. Consider using natural jute twine, sisal twine or any other garden twines.

2. Crafting

Like any kind of twine, flax twine is perfect for a multitude of crafts and DIY projects. If you like the look of these jute twine craft ideas, you can simply substitute flax twine for jute twine. Or, take a look at some more craft twine ideas to get stuck into with your flax twine.

3. Tying parcels

One of the most common uses of flax twine is for tying parcels together. Whether this is for practical parcels to send in the post, or beautiful gift wrapping, flax twine is a strong yet attractive way to hold parcels together. What makes flax twine a great option is its biodegradability, which allows you to do eco-friendly gift wrapping on a budget. For more gift wrapping ideas that will bring smiles to faces, why not take a look at our inspirational guide?

4. Bookbinding

Flax twine is suitable for use in bookbinding. It can be used to sew pages together, creating a strong and flexible binding. Because flax twine is so flexible, it ensures that the pages will be good to last for a long time and many uses. Flax stitching twine is well suited for creating strong stitches that still look attractive.

5. Household uses

The uses for flax twine are limitless, especially for odd-jobs around the house. Here are just some examples of how flax twine can be used around the home:

• Hanging picture frames
• Hanging ornaments and decorations
• Tying back curtains
• Bundling herbs
• Repairing broken straps
• Wrapping cords together
• Hanging clothes (use a thick flax twine for this)

Is twine made from flax?

Twine can be made from many different materials, including flax. Flax is a natural fibre derived from the stem of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is known for its strength and durability, and it has been used for centuries to make various products, including twine. Twine can also be made from other materials such as cotton, polyester, jute and sisal. 

Is twine eco friendly?

Flax twine, and other twines made from natural fibres, are incredibly eco friendly. Flax is a biodegradable material, making it perfect for use in the garden since it will break down naturally over time. However, synthetic twines are not biodegradable and have a higher impact on the environment.

Are you ready to get your hands on our multi-purpose flax twines? Whether you want to use it for crafting or out in the garden, flax twine is a reliable tool to have on hand. Contact Rope Source for more information about all things ropes, cords and twines.

What is decking rope?

Decking rope is a type of synthetic or natural rope used to cordon off decking areas. These ropes would usually be attached to posts surrounding a decked area. 

Types of decking rope

There are two types of decking rope to choose from: natural or synthetic. The type of rope chosen depends entirely on preference, but there are different benefits to both.

Natural decking ropes

Natural decking ropes are made from natural materials – given the name – such as plant fibres. The bonus to using a natural rope is that they are biodegradable, and this is due to the plant fibres within the rope. However, they are still incredibly strong despite being made of sustainable materials, and make a perfect choice for decking rope.

Sisal and manila decking ropes are two plant-based options to choose from. With a three strand construction for extra strength, they both look great as a border to a decked area, patio or a garden bridge. Natural ropes are available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, allowing you to choose a rope that meets your aesthetic or practical needs.

When it comes to outdoor use, we recommend pre-soaking your natural ropes as they will shrink when wet. This should be followed by treating sisal or manila ropes with a water repellant spray. In doing this, you’ll prevent any changes after installation and ensure longevity.

Synthetic decking ropes

Synthetic decking ropes are formed of, you guessed it, synthetic materials. Commonly, these types of ropes will contain polypropylene fibres. Synthetic fibres such as these are extremely hard-wearing and sturdy, so there is no chance of damage or breakages. When it comes to appearance, these ropes look and feel just like their plant fibred counterparts.

Polyhemp or hempex ropes are a great synthetic option and will suit any and all of your decking needs. These synthetic ropes come in a range of diameters with the same three strand combo, meaning that they are all equally as strong. They will also not shrink or react to heavy rainfall due to their waterproof properties.

Which rope is best for decking?

Many people prefer a synthetic polyhemp rope to a natural based decking rope; this is because synthetic ropes tend to last longer and are less prone to wear and tear. Synthetic ropes also look very similar to natural ropes, therefore they blend in nicely to outdoor spaces and don’t look tacky. 

However, if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly rope option, natural ropes are still a great choice of decking rope. They may take a bit more care and upkeep than a synthetic rope, but they’re a lot better for the environment.

How to use decking ropes

Decking ropes have a wide variety of uses and not all of them involve decking. So, what else can you use your decking ropes for?

1. Decking areas

A favourite use of decking ropes is for decking areas. Whether you’ve recently added decking to your garden, to house patio furniture or maybe a hot tub, decking rope can also be a great addition to this. Construct a border around your decking with wooden posts and some rope. This will keep your area separate from the rest of the garden.

2. Garden bridges

If you’re lucky enough to have a small pond in your garden,  it’s likely you can also fit a garden bridge. Decking rope can be used to create a handrail along your bridge for added safety, or a few can be used to make a fence either side.

3. Plant in sections

Decking rope can also be used to section off your plants, allowing you to keep your garden uniform and neat. Plus, when it comes to planting a new species, you can keep everything organised.

4. Rope swings

Making rope swings out of decking rope is a popular choice for those looking for a cool DIY project for their garden. Granted you will need quite a bit of space and a tree to get started, but it’s still a great use. We recommend purchasing a sturdy plank of wood to use for the seat and attaching your decking rope to this. However, it is best to look up some thorough instructions before starting.

5. Handrails and fencing

Section off your lawn from the path with a decking rope border. Or add some decking rope handrails to your outside steps. 

Don’t forget to use decking rope fittings for all of your DIY or garden projects. If you need any extra advice on which decking rope to pick, or on how to maintain your natural decking ropes, contact our team today.

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.

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:

1. Prepare the fibres by twisting. 

2. Spin the fibres, or bunch them, into yarn.

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

4. 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. 

What are the benefits of rope exercises?

We all know that keeping active is the best way to achieve a healthy body and mind, but do you ever feel as though you’re stuck in the same old fitness routine? For those that do want to incorporate some brand new exercises into their workout, that are not only brilliant heart raisers, but massive calorie burners, this post could be just what you’re looking for. 

The flexibility and strength of certain types of rope makes them the perfect fitness equipment, allowing those using them to exercise different muscles at the same time. This statement has also been backed by a study, finding that people burn an average of 112 calories after exercising with battle ropes for just 10 minutes. 

DIY battle rope

If you’ve had a read of our previous post on different rope types and their strength, you’ll know that certain varieties will be better than others when using them as fitness equipment. Manilla rope or natural hemp rope offer easy handling, and boast excellent strength at the same time, making them ideal for exercising. 

After acquiring two ropes and ensuring that they’re each at least 50 foot in length (you can experiment with the size based on how easy or hard you want to make the rope exercises for yourself), you’ll need to find a way to secure them down. This could be done by using a tree – after making sure it’s sturdy enough – or you could knot them around some dumbbells. 

Next, ensure that the ropes are easy to grip onto, and won’t cause you any burns when exercising. To make the ends as comfortable as possible, whilst also ensuring the durability of your rope, wrap the part you’ll be holding onto with a few layers of duct tape. 

Finally, whack on your favourite fitness playlist to get your heart pumping, and you’re good to go.

Rope exercises

Bicep waves

Start by standing with your feet apart in a quarter squat position and begin to wave both of your ropes as fast as you can, making sure that every movement you make is backed with power. Be sure to keep your back straight throughout the process, focusing all of your efforts on your biceps by keeping your elbows tucked in. 

Lateral whip

Keeping your elbows slightly bent, bring both of your ropes up towards you – ensuring that you have a good grip – and whip them down with force. Repeat this movement as quickly as you can, increasing the pace if you feel comfortable to do so. 

Full circle

This rope exercise is great for your core muscles, so be prepared for some serious burn. Make sure your back is straight and tall, ensuring that you’re sideways facing to the fixed rope ends. Now move your hand in a circular motion in a full, clockwise circle, going anticlockwise after completing at 12 reps (or whatever feels comfortable for you). Rest in-between sets, completing three times, or more if you’re feeling ambitious. 

Slam jump

Jump up as high as you can, whipping the ropes down with force as you fall back towards the ground. Make sure to keep your elbows as straight as you can, maintaining a neutral torso. The more effort you put into the slam, the greater the benefits you will feel. 

Squat and shoulder press

Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, keeping your rope on your shoulders and ensuring that there isn’t too much slack. Maintain a strong form, and start to lower yourself to the ground into a squat. Each time you stand back up, raise your rope above your head to keep your arms moving. 

Star jumps

This one is a great exercise to increase your heart rate, benefiting both your core muscles and obliques. Get a good grip on both ropes in each hand and keep your elbows bent, lift up to shoulder height, jump up and land with your feet wide apart. Each time you hit the floor, make sure to slam down your ropes with power to feel the full benefit. 

Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness routine, embarking on your next DIY project or are searching for the correct work equipment, our stock is able to suit your every need. Have a chat with a friendly member of our team today to see what we have on offer. 

With a vast range of ropes to choose from, each type has a different use, offering varying suitability for either indoor or outdoor projects. If you’re looking for ropes that boast longevity and durability, this guide to the different rope types and their strength could make your decision much easier. 

Manilla rope

Being one of the sturdiest natural ropes, manilla rope is both flexible and easy to work with. Often referred to as hemp rope, it’s made from the natural fibre manilla hemp, derived deep in the Philippines from the abacá plant. This is one of the more popular choices when considering garden decking due to its tan colouring, and its resistance to UV rays make it ideal for outdoor use. Along with boosting garden aesthetics, manilla rope is the best for barrier ropes and tug of war, which goes to show just how strong it really is! 

Natural hemp rope

Sticking with the natural ropes category, the soft yet sturdy natural hemp rope is most commonly used as climbing ropes in gyms due to its suppleness, offering easy-handling that also works perfectly for marine purposes. Made from the industrial fibres of a cannabis plant, the eco-friendly and biodegradable natural hemp rope is UV resistant, and its durability allows it to combat against mold and mildew. 

Any rope will end up slacking overtime, with natural hemp rope being prone to fraying. Should this happen, simply tape the ends to make sure that no loose ends can get out to retain good rope strength. Easy peasy! 

Polypropylene rope

Polypropylene rope has plenty of benefits, so if you’re looking for a rope to be used for various pulling applications or for lifting and securing, this type could be perfect for you. Whether you choose to opt for the staple spun polypropylene rope that serves well as a sling, a cricket boundary rope for all your outdoor sporting needs, or the high-tenacity, UV resistant polysteel rope that can float in water, you definitely won’t be short of options. 

Polyester rope

This rope is perfect for marine and yacht use due to its UV resistance, impressive strength, and abrasion resistance. Polyester rope has little to no stretch, offering unmatchable sturdiness that serves for an array of purposes. Braid on braid polyester ropes are pre-stretched, flexible, and not to mention easy to splice, coming in a variety of vibrant colours that make them ideal for blue water sailing. Their non-kinking and stretch resistant properties are great for secure mooring, and pre-stretched polyester doesn’t shrink or go stiff in the damp weather – this is a common problem that arises with other types of rope. 

Sisal decking ropes

Ever fancied decking for your garden? Look no further than our sisal decking ropes that are not only robust, but their colouration and natural materials will look great when being used for landscaping projects – especially if you’re going for a nautical theme. Their three-strand construction, durability and stretch makes them a desired rope for marine purposes, although they have been known to shrink slightly and expand in girth when wet. To enhance longevity when being used outdoors, it’s advised that they’re treated before use with either decking oils or water resistant sprays.

Polyhemp/hempex ropes

Another choice that works well for decking purposes are polyhemp/ hempex ropes, made from resilient polypropylene fibres. These synthetic ropes have a similar appearance to that of natural hemp ropes, and are another common choice for improving your garden’s aesthetic. They’re strong enough for rope swings, garden bridges and for handling cargo, so get this rope involved with any of your upcoming outdoor DIY projects. 

If you’d like any further advice on the best ropes to use and the strength they have to offer, get in touch with our team of friendly professionals. We can work with you to understand your requirements, pairing you with the best rope that’ll match your needs. Give us a call today!