Join ropeworker and basket maker Laurence Knoop on this half day workshop to knot a rope trivet.

In this workshop Laurence will introduce you to traditional decorative ropework techniques. Working with natural fibre flax rope, you will be shown how to make a flat knot pattern to form a rope mat with one continuous piece of rope.

During the workshop, you will learn basic knotting and ropework techniques and terminology, including using a fid to create a splice, used for decorative knotting that can be applied to other projects. Laurence will also share some background on the use of flax fibre in the UK and provide suggestions for further ropework projects to explore. You will learn about the current status and use of flax fibre in the UK.

You will leave this workshop with some introductory skills in the heritage craft of ropework. You will have a hand knotted rope trivet measuring 24cm across.

Tutor: Laurence Knoop
Date & Time: Saturday 11th April, 10am - 12:30pm
Venue: Brush Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £60 (£0.00 VAT)

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is suitable for beginners, but equally will be of interest to those with some experience in similar crafts (such as willow basketry) who want to explore a different medium and set of techniques.

What you will need:
All materials and equipment are included.

Accommodation: 
Residential option available. Find out about our accommodation, costs and how to book here.

Meet Your Tutor - Laurence Knoop

Laurence is a ropeworker and basketmaker who lives a nomadic life on a narrowboat. He has been working creatively with rope since 2021, drawing on multiple traditional knotting and basketry techniques, adapted to his chosen medium of natural fibre twisted rope.

With a desire to work with materials that are as locally produced as possible, he primarily uses flax rope and twine, sourced from UK ropemakers who use flax fibre grown in Europe.

His workshops provide an opportunity to learn about one or more knotting or weaving techniques, use traditional ropework tools, and appreciate the adaptability of natural fibre rope as a medium.

Laurence has taught at multiple craft venues and festivals across the South of England and Wales, including Living Crafts at Hatfield Park, Farnham Festival of Crafts, and Bowl Gathering in Abergavenny. He is a member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, the Heritage Crafts Association, and Central England Fibreshed.