DOUBLE-WRAP TECHNIQUE

A double-wrap border is completely optional, though I recommend it for most projects (this looks especially nice on the circular projects). It’s perfect when you need to add a little more emphasis in your design. You can do it in the same color as the rest of your project, or in a contrasting color—you’re the artist. For the sake of the tutorial, I’m going to demonstrate on a straight line of nails. This is usually the last step done for it to really make an impact, after your shape is filled with string.

To make:

1. Choose a nail on your border to secure your starter knot (see photo 1). Trim and seal your knot.

   

2. Wrap your string around each nail on the border, as usual (see photos 2.1–2.2). I like to start with the “outside” of the pattern, starting on one side of the nails. Depending on the shape of your pattern, you may not have to wrap around each nail; some shapes will hold the string in place naturally.

   

   

3. After you’ve made a lap around your pattern, come back around and rewrap each nail, on the opposite side. Here’s where the real impact happens: come back over your nails, zigzagging in between them (see photos 3.1–3.2). Do two laps this way. The goal is to put an “X” of zigzagged string between each nail, so that the line really “pops” for the viewer. If you have excess string, feel free to continue wrapping the outside. Be sure to trim and seal your knot once your border is complete.