A few weeks ago I wrote about a homey trend that is pretty easy to make, baskets and bowls made of rope. You can read about it here. Today I am going to share with you how to make these easy, heirloom bowls.

Materials: for this project I used cotton clothesline rope bought at my local hardware store, Pintchiks.

*sewing machine

*thread - I used Gutterman brand in natural, yellow and violet

note - the thicker the rope, the faster the bowl will be made.

1. Form a circle by shaping the rope on a flat surface. I started doing this in the air which presented a challenge. When the bowl is about 2" to 3" wide I sew a zig zag stitch across the center in one direction, and then repeat in a second direction. I set the zig zag on a width of 5 to 6 and a length of 1 to 2. For the base I use natural color thread. Important note, make sure the rope is feeding from the ground or your lap and moving counter clockwise.

2. I took the base out and changed my top thread to a bright canary yellow. Once the bowl base is my desired size I start to hold the base at a 90 degree angle and continue to feed the rope.

3. About 2" up the bowl I switched my bobbin thread to a violet purple. This creates a pretty contrast to the canary yellow on the inside. Once the bowl starts to shape it's easier to hold it with the left hand and feed the new rope with the right hand.

4. Creating the handle. Once you start to reach the end of your rope, take a few inches and curve the handle. At the beginning of the curve sew a backstitch a few times so the handle is secure. At the end of the handle, repeat, but put the end of the rope on top of the edge.

These bowls are so easy to make, you can eventually make them larger into baskets and planters. Experiment with nylon and polyester rope, hot pinks and green jute are next on my list. Perfect for bread, fruit, jewelry, hair ties. The uses are endless! Enjoy!

Tracey