ROPEWORK

Lesson Outline
Development
of Ropes
Kinds of
Ropes Basic
Knots
 The Invention of Rope

Who was it?

The very first people to
create and use rope is
unknown, but the
EGYPTIANS were the first
people to use specific rope
creating tools to make it
and record the creation
process.
 How was it made?
The first ropes were made by taking strands of
natural fibers and twisting.
The process is thought to have required three
people due to a wall painting found in an
Egyptian Tomb.
 What was it used for?
Rope was used for a variety
of purposes like tying up
livestock, securing ships, and
building shelter, but most
famously as a tool for
creating pyramids. Egyptian
slaves used rope to pull
heavy stones and lift them
to build.
 How has it evolved?
Originally, ropes were made by
hand by the Egyptians using
natural fibers such as water
reed, date palms, papyrus, and
leather. Then, in about 2800
B.C., the Chinese created rope
made of hemp fibers which is
commonly known as Manila Ro
pe.
 How has it evolved?
Over the next several thousand years, rope was
continually made with new natural fibers and more often
due to its extensive abilities and high demand.
The use of synthetic materials for rope expanded
its capabilities and longevity.
The tools and machines used to make rope also
continued to evolve and become more efficient.
 Kinds of Ropes and their
Uses
1. Cotton Ropes
Derived from the seed of the cotton
plant, cotton is a natural rope material
It demonstrates poor UV resistance –
quickly fading in the sunlight – and is
highly susceptible to abrasion.
However, it’s a safe, eco-friendly option
that’s incredibly soft to touch.

Best for: Indoors and outdoors

Common uses: Crafting and macrame,
pet toys, gardening, hammocks.
 Kinds of Ropes and their
Uses
2. Manila Ropes
Manila is a natural rope fibre,
produced from the abacá plant
It absorbs water – shrinking (and
sinking) when wet. And if left
outdoors for long periods, it is
susceptible to the elements and will
rot and break down over time.

Best for: Indoors and outdoors

Common uses: Gardening and
landscaping, decking, battle ropes,
rope fenders.
 Kinds of Ropes and their
Uses
3. Jute and Sisal Ropes
and Twines
Jute and sisal are both derived from
plants
(Corchorus Capsularis and Agave
Sisalana) They’re 100% sustainable,
biodegradable and compostable
Most of this rope sell has a synthetic
rope core for added strength.

Best for: Indoors and outdoors

C ommon uses: Arts and crafts,
agriculture and farming, gardening.
 Kinds of Ropes and their
Uses
4. Polypropylene rope
Polypropylene is a great all-
rounder. As a synthetic rope
material, it has a number of useful
properties. It doesn’t absorb liquid
and floats on water. It
demonstrates good resistance to UV
and abrasion and is rot-proof. It’s strong
and hard-wearing and has a high
melting point of 165˚C.
Best for: Outdoors
Common uses: Construction and
groundworks, cable pulling, tying
down, marine applications and yachting,
utilities and industry, crafts and
hobbies, forestry.
 Kinds of Ropes and their
Uses
5. Synthetic hemp
Synthetic hemp isn’t a rope material as it’s
made from spun polypropylene. But it
does differ because looks like a natural
hemp rope. It boasts the rustic appearance
of a rope that’s made from plant fibers,
yet has all the benefits of being
manufactured from a synthetic material.
It’s soft-to-touch yet easy to grip, strong,
durable and weather-resistant – allowing it
to be kept outside for long periods.
Best for: Outdoors
Common uses: Decking, outdoor handrails,
on ships and boats, children’s play
apparatus (rope swings, rope ladders,
climbing ropes etc.), fencing, garden
seats.
 Kinds of Ropes and their
Uses
6. Nylon rope
Nylon is one of the most favoured
rope materials currently available.
It’s also highly flexible and shock
absorbent, capable of stretching by up to
20% and returning to its original length.
However, it does soak up water quite quickly
– compromising its structure – and takes a
while to dry.
Best for: Outdoors
Common uses: Lifting, towing,
mooring, winching, water-based
applications.
Basic Scouting Knots
Overhand
Knot Slip
Knot Square
Knot
Two Half
Hitches
Bowline
Tautline
Hitch Clove
Hitches
 1. Overhand Knot
Click Here for Video

Typical Use:
Climbing
Fishing
Shoelace
s
Making
other
knots
2. Slip Knot

Typical Use:
Temporary stopper
knot Animal snares
Knitting
3. Square Knot

Typical Use:
Joining two ends of a
single line o bind
around an object
4. Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

Typical Use:
General-purpose
hitch Binding knot
5. Bowline

Typical Use:
Making a fixed,
reasonably secure loop
in the end of a line.
6. Tautline Hitch

Typical Use:
For use on lines
under tension
7. Clove Hitch

Typical Use:
Securing lines running al
ong a series of posts, bel
aying, starting lashings,
weak binding
THANK YOU!