Creative Ropecraft Paperback – May 13, 2007

Creative Rope craft (CRC) is an excellent basics, no nonsense, how to for decorative knotting. CRC stars with the basics and gives you some good solid looks at more technical knotting. I've been doing knotting of various forms since the early '80s and I'm always on the hunt for new ideas. CRC gave me a fresh look at some knots I've been working with for years, and I was glad to find that I even picked up a few new ideas. Most of the knots worked very well with 550 para-cord as well as larger gauge hemp, and jute. CRC is a very well written book with plenty of clearly drawn, detailed, black and white illustrations. CRC also gives enough technical information and terminology with out over doing it. All in all I have enjoyed CRC. I've used ideas from CRC to wrap knife, tomahawk, and hatchet handles, made the dog 2 new collars(she wouldn't choose a color so I made her one of each), and a couple rifle slings. CRC has been well worth the money and I expect I will continue to use CRC when the need or mood presents it's self.

I've been doing Decorative rope work for forty ++ years and own every reference there is, including this one. I do a lot of teaching as well, and if I were teaching a class to new knotters, this would be the book I'd put in their hands. This is a superb cross section of a number of knotting techniques, so it covers a lot of material. Some of the verbiage is awkward; however, the drawings leave nothing to be desired. The Star Knot, for example, will drive most knotters crazy. His drawing makes it so simple to tie one that I wonder why anyone ever has trouble with it. He covers Grafting, decorative Hitching, Needle Hitching and does some lovely sennit work with excellent pictorial presentation.There's more to knotting than what is here, for sure. But if you want a place to start learning decorative knotting, or need a Very Welcome addition to your collection, Don't Pass This Up. You can't do better.

As a little background, I was bit by the knotting bug 3 years ago simply looking to learn to wrap a knife handle with paracord. In the ensuing time, I have purchased multiple books and have branched into a variety of cord materials. If I could only keep 2 books on knotting, it would be Grainger's Creative Ropecraft and Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK).As a beginner, I would say that 95% of what I wanted to do early on was in Creative Ropecraft: Manrope knot, Mathew Walker knot, Star knot, Simple Turks Heads etc. I also found the sections on Plaits and Sennits, and Covering and Netting very easy to follow. I find his illustrations and method of shading them was helpful. The last short chapter features some projects - but none that interested this reader. The small size of this book is wonderful. It's great to read in bed, or tucks into one of my bags of knot gear. It is so easy to flip to a section to refresh the memory.In this modern era, one might question the necessity of knot books given the plethora of online resources. I feel that knot books are necessary for me. I generally like to approach a new knot or project by consulting multiple sources. While Creative Ropecraft is not the most comprehensive book, it is usually my starting point. Highly recommended.

In the 1st edition of this book (1974) the author states that this is an introduction to creative rope knotting as practiced by old time sailors and that it's purpose is to stimulate your interest. Apparently it has done so for many people. Much has been added since and it's now more than just an introduction. This is a great second book, a must have for anyone to see what they can do with all those knots they learned. You won't find detailed instruction as to how to tie basic knots in here. What you will find is plenty of illustrations to stimulate your mind, along with some detailed instructions on different and easier ways to tie some of the more complicated decorative knots I have learned, such as Turk's Heads etc. You will also find some projects at the end of the book. The price of the book gives you no excuse not to have it in your library if you have the slightest interest in creative, old style rope knotting.

My husband is a knot enthusiast, so we got him this book for Father’s Day. He LOVES it. He recommends it to any sailor or other knot enthusiasts.

This book is very interesting it is easy to read a little bit hard to follow with rope but with patience can be done and look professional.

The book is great at giving verbal written instructions, however the diagrams of the knots leave a lot to be desired in many cases.

This is a excellent book and gives the beginner some pretty high goals to reach.I wish there were a little more detail showing actual step by step action required for each level of completion. However a good imagination does help in the learning process.Maybe with time and practice this old dope may learn to get off the ropes.Wish me luck.I liked this book and recommend it to anyone who thinks they can't be creative. Or if you just like the "challenge" then this is the "test".Stanley Alves.

Otrimo libro (in inglese) con buone illustrazioni che spesso sono da preferire alle foto. Spiegazioni dei vari nodi molto dettagliate e facili da seguire. Il libro comprende lavori facili ad altri più elaborati. Consigliato.Avrebbe potuto comprendere qualcosa in più ma per il numero di pagine e il prezzo va benissimo così.

If you want to get into ropework this is a very good starting point, even if you think you already know whats going on. A very good reference book, without getting in too deeply.

Great book!! Amazon took awhile to find it for me but they didn't give up and it was worth the wait!

I bought this book because it was reviewed on Stormdrane's blog. I am so pleased that I have it.The diagrams are very clear and the wealth of information in here is truly amazing. The moment I opened it I could see a connection with a certain knot and something I am working on at the present time.Knots have been with us for thousands of years and it's utterly fascinating to see the origins of a lot of embroidery stitches actually appeared as knotwork patterns first.

Great beginners book