How to Make a Rope Mat

I have to say that making a rope mat, has to be one of my top things to make. The process is good for the brain and fingers, it makes you think and ensure that you are creating the mat properly. Not only is the end result a stunning piece of work, but the mate will be there for you to admire for years. Often when I make a rope mat, I try to use old and unwanted second hand rope. I also try to find out a bit of the history of the rope too. If the rope has come from a certain vessel or had an interesting life, I like to include this on a label on the underside of the mat. Occasionally I get rope from fishing vessels, and sometimes on certain days (climate), I get the occasional smell of the sea and fish.

How to Make a Rope Kringle Mat

How to Make a Kringle Mat with Rope. In this video I will show you how to make a Kringle Mat using Paracord. Normally the Kringle mat is made using old rope. Due to filming restraints I decided to make it with Paracord. Even though this Kringle Mat was made with Paracord, the exact same principle can be applied when using rope. Also if you do use smaller cordage, you will end up with a lovely looking rope drinks coaster, if made with slightly larger rope, you have yourself a smart looking rope table mate.

The exact measurements of rope used are at the end of the video.

I have also put a quick drawing of the procedure of making the Kringle Mat here:

The above images were taken from Des Pawson’s Book on Knotcraft, which can be obtained via the BOOK section of this site.

Finishing the Rope Mat

There are two popular ways of finishing a rope mat, the first way is to side splice the two end into the pass next to it (under the mat and out of site). The second way is to seize the two ends (Seizing Rope Together) to the pass next to it (under the mat and out of site). The second way is my favoured way, as I usually like to use coloured whipping twine. I tend to use red and green, just to give it a more nautical theme.

How to Make a Kringle Mat Video Tutorial

Knot Craft and Rope Mats

If you think that you may want to make more rope mats, then I can highly recommend Des Pawson’s book on Knot Craft and Rope Mats. There are two versions of this book, you really want the one that has 60 rope work project and 20 mat designs.