Here is a fun little decorative instruction from Martha Stewart. I received this in my daily newsletter from her and I immediately thought of your guys over here. I know (like I’ve said before) I love all things Navy/sailor related. I’ve always found all the different types of knots really cool, but didn’t know how to make them. Below is are visual and written instructions on how to make the Sailor Knot yourself. You could use it for any number of applications really; it has endless possibilities.

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1a. To tie this knot, first make a loop in the center of the left-hand rope; cross the loose ends so the bottom strand lies on the top strand, as shown. Leave this loop lying still (it will become the “standing part”), and wind the other rope around it as directed. 1b. Position the right-hand rope as shown: Lay it over the top “tail” of the standing part, and pass it under the bottom tail. It should make a loop in the center of the rope.

2a. Slide the top “tail” of the right-hand rope under the loop of the standing part, so that it peeks through, as shown. 2b. Bring the bottom tail up over the bottom of the loop, and pass it down through the loop . . .

3. . . . and under the top tail of the right-hand rope, then up out of the loop and over the top of the loop.

4. Grasp the two sets of tails (one set in each hand), and pull firmly and evenly to tighten the knot.