Lacy Hemp Belt

1. Cut 12 3-yard (9 ft.) lengths of hemp twine. Hold the cords together. Leave 12 in. at the end and tie the cords in an overhand knot. Arrange the strands so there are six strands to one side. Divide these strands into three groups of two strands. For each group of six strands, tie the outside strands around the inside strands in a square knot.
2. Bring the inside strands from each group of six strands to the center. Use the middle strands from each group of six strands to tie a square knot around the four strands in the center.
3. String a 10mm bead onto the four center strands. Tie another square knot.
4. Divide the strands (as in step 1) so there are two groups of six strands on each side. Divide these strands into three groups of two strands. For each group of six strands, tie the outside strands around the inside strands in a square knot.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until the desired belt length is reached. (As shown, the knotted part of the belt measures 36 in.)
6. After the last set of square knots, tie the ends in an overhand knot. String an 8mm bead 1-2 in. from the end of a cord, wrap the cord up around the bead and place the end back down through the hole to hold it in place. Use this technique to string a bead onto each cord end.

Tips

• To make knot tying easier, pin the project to a piece of corrugated cardboard. Pin each knot to the cardboard as you go: you'll be able to see the spacing and adjust it as needed.
• Tie the four outside sets of strands into little bundles to make them easier to handle. (Don't tie up the center strands: you'll be beading those.)