Module 3 - Chapter 5 - Cord Making

I really enjoyed this chaper and was amazed and inspired by the gorgeous selection of cords that were created.

 MACHINE STITCHED CORDS

A wide zig zag machine stitch was used over a selection of different 'core' threads by threading the core through a drinking straw taped in front of, and behind the needle. The machine was set to free machining with the darning foot on.

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Single threads and groups of threads were used as the 'core', including:

machine threads, hand embroidery thread and knitting yarn, strips of fabric cut into a continuous length, tights, ribbons, string, unspun wool fleece and silk, wire, and polythene bags.

The macine threads used for the zig zag varied between harmonious colours, contrasting colours, variegated threads and metallics. The 'core' was pulled backwards and forwards through the machine to vary the density of the stitching.

TWISTED CORDS

I experimented with combinations of various thick and thin yarns, fabrics and contrasting textures to make a range of different twisted cords.



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KNOTTED CORDS

A selection of machine stitched and twisted cords were used to create the following knotted cords.

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left to right:
2 twisted cords side by side and knotted at intervals,
2 machine stitched cords knotted together in a series of half hitch knots creating an interesting knobbly effect,
2 contrasting threads tied in alternate 'half knots' to form a flat square knotted cord,
a half knot repeated the same each time to produce a spiral effect,
looped braid edge,
continuous twist chain,
double ridge hitching (or alternate chaining.)

TURKS HEAD KNOT

I experimented with a selection of different cords. I thought that for my first knot it would be easiest to use a strong synthetic garden twine. I was very wrong! It was slippery and hard to control, but eventually created a nice knot! The pink twisted string cord created a nice simple knot. The last knot was made from a cord of twisted fluffy knitting yarn, ribbon, and green plastic shopping bag.

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PLAITED CORDS

A simple three-cord plait was tied in the following variations:

left to right:
using three different cords,
using two cords the same and one contrasting,
one thin cord,
one thick cord,
using a string of beads as one cord,
one of the cords pulled tightly after plaiting.

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Four plaited cords (2 green then 2 pink),
four plaited alternating cords,
seven plaited cords,
five plaited cords in a woven formation.

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WRAPPED CORDS

a soft fat core twisted tightly with contasting ribbon to give a 'bulging' effect,
a thin cord wrapped irregularly arround a thicker cord,
a thick cord wrapped around a thinner cord
threads wrapped in both directions around a thick, twisted fabric cord.



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