:Rope mats
Woven mats may be described as flat or two dimensional knots. Many of the patterns are taken from the tradition of sailors' decorative work, although the knot forms are ancient and are common to many cultures.
To weave a symmetrical and evenly proportioned rope mat takes patience; the long rope end is threaded under and over, taken around the pattern and pulled through several times, whilst constantly neatening the overall shape along the way.
This Kringle Mat is a classic Turks Head weave formed from a single, surprisingly long piece of 6mm manila rope - Ten metres are used for a ten and a half inch (27 cm) diameter table mat.
- Manila Kringle Rope mat: £35.00 (inc. UK p&p)
Made using good quality new rope, woven or sewn rope mats not only last, but also look wonderful set on the table as hot pads or centre pieces, vertically as wall hangings, or as unusual stool or chair seat covers.
A hand sewn coil of 18 mm diameter manila rope makes this Spiral table mat which is approximately ten and a half inches in diameter (27 cm).
Although the pattern is simpler than the woven carrick or kringle rope mats, the construction is just as time consuming: the rope is stitched together using flax twine with the aid of a sailor'spalm, and neatly finished with Sail maker's whippings, as shown in the images below.
- Manila Spiral Rope mat: £35.00 (inc. UK p&p)
The Carrick Mat, also known as a Thump Mat, is traditionally placed around a ring bolt on the deck of a ship as chafing gear - to deaden the sound of the block falling and to save wear on the deck.
A carrick mat can be woven from a continuous length of 6mm manila rope, or as a mixed weave, as illustrated in the image, left. This carrick rope table mat was made using three lengths of 8mm rope in total, 6 metres - 1 metre of cotton rope and 2 metres of hemp. The carrick rope mat measures approximately eight and a half inches (21 cm) in diameter.
All our woven or sewn rope table mats are lacquered on the underside for protection.
- Manila Carrick Rope mat: £18.00 (inc. UK p&p)
- Cotton-Hemp Carrick Rope mat: £30.00 (inc. UK p&p)
:Other Rope Mats
Rope mats used to be a feature on sailing boats, and also ashore - used as chafing gear, to protect against damage to deck timbers, or wherever necessary. The simplest design would have been made on a primitive loom, and was known as sword matting. More elaborate woven mats and braided plaits can be truly decorative, and are used for many purposes - smaller, and made using thinner cord they become neat drinks coasters. A large ocean mat woven in cotton would make a hard wearing, yet luxurious mat in a bathroom with a nautical setting.
The image below shows an Ocean Mat (also known as The Sailor's True Lover Mat Weave) formed into a type of Turks Head weave repeated four times, from a single length of 8mm cotton rope.
