WHAT IS HARD-LAID CORDAGE?
In rope-making terms, hard-laid cordage has a relatively short, tight lay. This produces cordage that is firmer and stiffer than cord made with a softer or longer lay.
Blood Knot makes hard-laid cordage for decorative and practical knotting. Its firmness helps it resist flattening or noticeable compression when tied, allowing knots to hold their shape and display clean, well-defined lines.
Hard-laid cord is deliberately firmer than macramé cord, which can be quite soft. If you are accustomed to macramé rope, Blood Knot cordage will feel quite different.
CHOOSING A DIAMETER
The most suitable diameter depends on the knot, the size of the finished piece and the level of detail you want to show. Fine cord is useful for smaller or more intricate work, while larger diameters produce bolder knots and finished pieces.
Available diameters are shown on each product page. As the cordage is handmade from individual yarns, finished measurements may vary slightly.
If you are trying to match cordage already in your possession, measure it without compressing it, using a rope gauge or vernier calipers, and tell me how you intend to use it. A photograph beside a ruler may also help.
Another useful method is to wind the cordage ten times around a dowel, pen, broom handle or similar round object. Keep the turns snug and side by side without overlapping them. Measure the total width of the ten turns and divide that measurement by ten. My mate Jim Caswell, a master knotter, tells me this is a highly accurate technique.
HANK LENGTHS
Blood Knot cordage is supplied in handmade hanks. The minimum sale is one hank, and every hank contains at least 10 metres of cordage.
Because of the way the ropewalk is set up and the cordage is finished, a hank will often contain approximately 11–12 metres. This extra length benefits the customer while also providing a small allowance for trimming or minor production losses. The customer will always receive a minimum of 10 metres.
Please check the individual product listing before ordering. If your project requires an uninterrupted length or a particular quantity, contact me before purchasing.
COLOURS AND MATERIALS
The available colours and materials are shown on each product page. Screen settings, lighting and differences between yarn batches can affect how a colour appears, so slight variation is possible.
Some colours are made from limited or discontinued yarn and may not be replaceable once the remaining supply has been used.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Because every order is made individually, I may be able to produce personalised colour blends, non-standard diameters, special lengths or particular combinations of yarn.
Personalised colour blends can be made by combining two or more available yarn colours. If you have a particular result in mind, please describe the colours and overall effect you want. A photograph, colour sample or other reference may also help. As the cordage is handmade, the appearance of a blend may vary slightly from hank to hank.
When making a special request, please include as much detail as possible, including:
• the intended project or knot;
• the preferred diameter;
• the colours or colour blend;
• the required length;
• the material, if important; and
• any deadline you are working towards.
I try to make “Yes, I can” or “I’ll try it and see what happens” my first response. On rare occasions, something may not be possible, but I will discuss the available options with you and try to find a practical alternative.
IMPORTANT USE INFORMATION
Blood Knot cordage is intended primarily for decorative knotting, ropework, craft and similar applications. It is not certified for climbing, lifting, fall protection, towing, life-support or other safety-critical uses.
NEED HELP CHOOSING?
If you are unsure which cordage will suit your project, please contact me before ordering. I may not be an expert in every type of knotting, but I will do my best to help.
Mark Delaforce
Blood Knot