How to Tie Hemp Knots

A basic hemp twine knot can be tied in a few simple steps.

Although as of late 2010 it is illegal to farm industrial hemp crops, it is legal to import, sell and use industrial hemp in a variety of ways, including the use of hemp in creating clothing, twine, beauty and food products, and even building supplies. Hemp twine's coarse texture is ideal for creating the hemp knots used by craft artists to create jewelry, macramé and other works of art.

Things You'll Need

• Hemp ball
• Clipboard
• Two to four binder clips
• Small blunt scissors

Instructions

1. Cut two, three-foot lengths of hemp from the hemp ball. Place both cords side-by-side and fold in half to form a loop. Hold the cord below the loop.

2. Grab the top of the loop and place it over the cord, leaving a space to tie the knot.

3. Pass the top of the loop under and through the hole and pull tight to make the first knot. Leave a portion of a loop at the top.

4. Fasten the top of the loop to a clipboard. Separate the four hanging cords into one right, one left and two middle anchor cords.

5. Fasten the two middle anchor cords to the bottom of the clipboard with a binder clip.

6. Pass the left cord over the top of the two anchor cords, leaving a space between the left cord and the anchor cords. Pass the right cord over the left cord, under the anchor cords and through the space created by the left cord. Pull evenly on the left and right cords to tighten the knot. Continue making knots until the desired length is reached. Remember the pattern is over, over, under, tie.

7. Unfasten the two anchor cords from the binder clips. Separate the four cords, moving the two on the right to one side and the two on the left to the other side.

8. Take the two left cords and pass them under the two right cords leaving a space. Take the two right cords around and under, pulling them through the space to create the final knot.

Tips & Warnings

• To create a flat design, alternate which side of the cord goes over the anchor cords. For instance, if you start with the left side going over the anchor cords and under the right cord, the next knot would begin with the right cord going over the anchor cords and under the left cord.

References

• Made By Hippies: How To Tie Hemp Jewlry
• Mens News Daily: Ron Paul Reintroduces Industrial Hemp Farming Bill