
NEW Rope Sewing Reinvented
Sewing yards and yards of cotton rope or clothesline cording together to create baskets, trivets, or bags is not a new technique. My guest for this next series creates multifunctional baskets, bags, and coasters for the modern home. She learned to sew at a young age, started a business during high school, and continues to create all the projects for her business while studying Environmental Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. Welcome Lindsey Zinno, who will inspire us with her reinvented rope sewing projects. Watch the first in this two-part series Rope Sewing Reinvented on Sewing With Nancy.
Find everything you’ll need to complete these projects in this Rope Sewing Reinvented Starter Kit from Nancy’s Notions.
The Coaster Basics
The coasters show Lindsey’s simple, yet functional style, using uncovered cotton rope—it’s the first project we’ll show you how to make. Use uncovered natural clothesline rope to create a more contemporary design with a traditional technique. Colored thread gives a stylish look. Learn what supplies and techniques Lindsey uses on today’s new episode of Sewing With Nancy.
Mini Dishes
The next step to rope sewing is making vessels, this mini dish can be used for keys, jewelry, garlic, potpourri, or even to tidy up your desk. Use mini dishes for lavender buds and bobbins. Lindsey shares how she creates the mini dish with decorative details on today’s new episode.
Oval Tray
Once you’ve mastered the art of shaping a rope vessel, learn to experiment with the design. Lindsey’s Oval Tray is purposeful, while having a modern, artistic style. The angle of stitching determines the vessel shape and the inclusion of rope handles increases the functionality. Watch us create this design on Sewing With Nancy.
Rope Sewing Reinvented Starter Kit includes:
- Rope Sewing Reinvented Book with DVD
- Clothesline Rope
- Topstitching Needles, Size 100
- Leather Needles Assortment
- Wonder Clips
- Stiletto
Watch Rope Sewing Reinvented (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a copy of the Rope Sewing Reinvented Book and DVD from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment sharing which rope project you’ll make first.
The randomly selected winner of a copy of the Rainbow Quilts for Scrap Lovers DVD from Nancy’s Notions is Phyllis Barton.
Her comment was, “I have most of the colors except oranges and browns—sure need to use them up!”
Bye for now,
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Charlotte McCaig
Today is my birthday and I would love to win this! But I will add….good luck everyone!
Charlotte
Good luck everyone! Today is my birthday and I would love to win it!
Anita
I would start with the coasters for the teachers at my grandchildren’s daycare and then venture onto a rug for my entryway.
Alana Cunningham
I would start with sewing a set of coasters, then move on to a vessel.
Barb
I would start with the coasters – then on to bigger projects!
Susan
I would do the coasters. I always start slow when I try something new.
Dinah Miller
I love the look of the natural rope! I have only seen fabric wrapped pieces. Definitely will make one of the coasters to try this!
Pamela Wynfield
I always dream big! My goal would be to make the most complicated item. I can see a big beautiful clothes hamper replacing my ugly green one. This would add a great look to my laundry room.
Penny Moss
I’d love to try the coaster but keep going and make it a little larger so I could use it as a hot pad in my kitchen
Sherrie
I love the oval tray with handles! These have such a unique vibe… farmhouse meets industrial. Pretty cool!
Debbie Rhodes
I have made the wrapped clothesline for placemats on my dining table. They are heavy enough to protect from hot plates. Thanks for all you do.
CYNDY Lacey
I would live to make the bag. I just love the look of the rope used in bags and totes.
Mandy R Laseter
I would definitely start by making a coaster to become familiar with the technique.
Donna Fecteau
I think I would start small and make the coasters, but that tote bag is wonderful.
Judy Mihalka
I just made a basket and it was so much fun and easy, next I will try something with handles.
Judy Mihalka
I just made a basket and it was so much fun and easy.
Cyndi Duffin
What a great book!! I love the look.
Martha Morgan
The tray with handles – and is the Marie’s daughter? So interesting.
Kathy Schulz
I would love to try this! I would probably start with the coasters . They look like a perfect place to start. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Bev Donaldson
The coasters are perfect for my morning coffee mug !!
diane c
I would practice on the trivet because it is flat. Then I would love to make a basket or two.
Nikki
I would like to make some of the trays. We live in our RV full-time. I could make them in custom sizes to solve some storage issues.
Sue J
I would also practice with the coaster…I have some varigated thread just waiting for this project. Then I would try the oval basket with handles…love the natural look…might even try to incorporate some driftwood handles. Can’t wait. Like I need more projects…LOL.
Peggy V
So clever, would love to learn this new to me method. I would love to make the tote that is on the cover of the book!!!
Debra Williams
I just love that oval tray – I think that would be my first project. Thanks for this opportunity!
Karen A
I would make the oval basket as a holder for a set of the coasters.
Nancy Swor
I would start with the coasters – baby steps, right? I think those would be excellent girts. I am intrigued with the bag, so that would be my crème de la crème.
Peggy Shepherd
Would love to try this. Have always said I would, maybe now is the time. 🙂
MaryAnn B
how cute is this I would start with the coasters and work my way up.
Loraine LaPole
I would make a set of coasters to coordinate with the cups in my pottery set. Then I would make a rug for my bathroom. Love this look.
Susan T
I would experiment with different colors of threads on the coaster project. How fun and practical.
Donna Belisle
I would love to win this helpful book as I tried some yrs. ago to make a bowl and it was a grand-flop! I would first try the tray and see if this book helps me to do it the right way, then I would try a bowl.
Sybil Derderian
This looks like such a fun way to make practical, easy gifts for friends & family. With the holidays coming, I can see how this would be a quick gift idea!
Ennis A
Amazing!!! First a mini bowl, to go in my sewing room!!!!
Mary Lou Bowser
I would love to make the bag, but I have never done this kind of sewing so I am not sure I could. Love this video though.
Marcia
I would love to try to make the bags, what an unusual item which could be given as gifts to my daughters.
Thank u for the opportunity and videos.
Beth B
I would probably try coasters or trivets and then baskets.
Peggy Smith
The mini dishes. would be great storage for my sewing room and gift for my daughter.
Cyndi Ferguson
These are so cute! I’d start with the mini dish, because I could use it right away for keys in the front hall. These will be perfect for the lake house I’m trying to renovate!
Margaret Scott
I would enjoy making a basket. What fantastic projects.
Pandora
I love the Oval tray but realistically would start with coasters…
Lynn
Trivets.perfect for Xmas
Nancy
I would do the oval tray. Really neat project.
Rosalyn Schultze
I would enjoy making the oval basket with handles. It would be very useful for breads and rolls.
Clovis
The coasters would be a nice gift to make. Thanks for the chance to win.
Brenda Nance
I have wanted to learn rope sewing for years! I would make the coasters first and then a bowl. And then everything else.
Julie
I love the coasters for outside drinks. I would love to do some of these projects with my grandsons, baskets and trays. The ideas keep flowing.
Noreen
I would try the trivet first, and then move on to a basket. An interesting sewing craft!
EllenB
I think the tote on the cover is great looking and would hold lots of things for classes, travel, etc.
Mary Brock
Since I’ve never tried a project like this, i think I’d start small with the coasters! Can’t wait to try!
Donna C
Since I already have a little rope sewing experience, I’d go straight for the bag!
Barbara Wood
Love this tutorial! I’d love to jump right in and make the oval tray, but will try to control myself and make a coaster first. If that turns out to be as easy as Lindsey and Nancy make it look, I will make the mini dishes for everyone on my Christmas list.
CAROL L.
I would start with a trivet. I need something for my small casserole dishes. It would really beautify not just the holiday table but every day table!
Barbara Lussier
I’ve only tried rope sewing once, but it wasn’t for anything as functional as these items. I would love to try something like the bowls or bags that have a curve or oval to them.
Jackie Lorenz
I would defiantly start with the trivet
Connie Jordan
I am ready to buy some clothesline rope and give this a try right now. Love the idea of using different colors of thread to go with your own decor.
Debbie
I would have to start with the trivet and work my way up to the tote (which I really love).
Marie k
I would like to make some coasters and trivets. Just to try this with the flat version. And then move onto the shaped bowls and bags. I like that plane rope with the colorful thread
Peggy Wagner
I have never done rope sewing, but would love to learn! I would start with the coasters.
Shirley Rozier
I will start with coasters, and have my granddaughters make for their mom and grandparents. Fun idea! I have a cloth covered bowl my daughter made by hand they are fabulous.
Pat Swann
Coasters first…just to build confidence. After that…everything!
Jan C
I’ve made rope projects before, but never made a ‘necked’ one. I would like to make the purse/bag. Thank you for the opportunity.
Judy
A big basket! I used to do the wrapping process to get lots of color, and use up scraps, but when I got my new sophisticated machine, it wouldn’t let me do the bigger size cord I was used to and I just couldn’t envision using smaller cord because of the monotony of it, so I stopped. No fabric wrapping with this so I’m all in with the small plain clothesline rope. Thanks!
Nancy Toupin
I love these and think they would make great gifts. I would give the trivets a try first using up some of many colors of thread.
Laura Odenthal
I’d so love to learn this. I love the fact that it’s kind of like fold art but with a modern twist!
Helen
These round ones are also great for putting under table lampst o protect the wood surface.
Deon
I was just looking into this type of sewing project (checking out rope suppliers) so this is perfect timing. I’d probably start with a small bowl, but would like to work up to the tote bag.
Twyla
Interested in beginning with the coasters and placemats. Then on to bigger and better things! Thanks for the opportunity to win your giveaway!
Debbie P
I would love to create a basket to corral items on my sewing table!
Melody
I’d like to make the trivets first, and then try the bigger projects.
Rosemary
I would love to make a bag. I wonder how the rope would take a dye? So cool.
scarter
What a wonderful way to use cotton rope. I would love to try all of them, but especially the oval dish with handles.
Thanks Nancy.
Sandy YH
Perfectly timed for Christmas gifts! Love the approach! Lindsey is a great presenter also!
Thanks as always for great ideas!
Debra Lebherz
I would love to win the awesome kit. I’ve been wanting to try it. I love learning new craft’s. I think they would make great gift’s. Thanks for the chance.
Judy graczyk
I would love to make a tote using this technique. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Nancy W
I think I will start with a larger coaster for a trivet/pad for hot dishes, but I definitely want to try many shapes. Such a modern look!
Beverley Hancox
Now I want to try this! I always found the fabric wrapped rope too busy looking but the plain rope really caught my eye. Start with trivets then onward and upward (so to speak) into baskets.
Marsha Dimond
I have done many wrapped-rope projects. This sewing without wrapping would be so much faster. I just might jump into the handbag first.
LeP
Yeah! I tried to see a demonstration of making these items, but I could not get through the crowd close enough to see it. Thanks for your demo and I will watch again and try it!
Donna Nicklis
Can’t wait to try this. I will start with the coaster first for practice, but I really want to make the oval tray.
Therese Bocchino
Having never tried this, I will start with the Coasters.
But hope to graduate up to the plates & bag!
Linda Rupe
I would make a tray for carrying my favorite potluck dish.
beth d.
I prefer the oval tray. I would love to make this from clothesline.
Maggie Hancock
I want to try the tray and I know it will be used daily. This is so exciting I want to start on it as my next project.
Diane S.
This looks like fun. I made a fabric covered rope bowl and enjoy seeing it in my home daily.
Mavis Puchlik
Christmas gifts galore with such quick and easy projects. Trivets then catch all bowls and maybe a tote. Any great on-line sources of the cord?
Elaine Stephenson
I’m eager to start with coasters.
Karen Johnson
I can’t wait to get to try this!!!!! 🙂
Love it!
I want to make a tote!
Tons of ideas going through my head!
🙂
Theresa Brooks
I would like to make coasters to give as presents! Good luck to everyone!
Traci Y
I already bought some clothesline to make a bowl. Great to see it in action. I think I would like to start with a small bowl to keep my “extras” by my sewing machine. Will try it with a variegated thread.
Leslie Buhl
I love this project and will probably make all three. Such useful ideas for filling the bowls. These would make great gifts for not only others but for me as well!
Judy
First I would to learn the process by making the coasters then onward and forward to all the rest of the wonderful pronects!
Peggy Tornberg
This looks like so much fun and makes such useful items!
The answer to my Christmas List! Thank you for the opportunity to win a kit!
Peggy Tornberg
This looks like so much fun and makes such useful items!
The answer to my Christmas List! I would start with a hot pad or coaster till I learned the technique well enough to proceed. Thank you for the opportunity to win a kit!
Peggy Tornberg
The answer to my Christmas List! I would start with a hot pad or coaster till I learned the technique well enough to proceed. Thank you for the opportunity to win a kit!
Kathy Pollock
.Thanks for the chance on the giveaway.I have made many of the rope bowls of many sizes.The first one I would make would be an updated oval tray and many Christmas gifts.
Bernadette
I love the new look . I want to make the bag. But I would start with coasters, then bowls for practice.
Nancy Tucker
I love working with clothesline rope, I have made several rugs and now would love to try the basket. I really love hoe using two rope sections for the handle to give it stability.
Cathy Van Daalwyk
I can hatdly wait to try this!
Gail Beam
I love the bowl, but I would probably start with a coaster.
Helen Heise
These are great ideas for Christmas. I think I will start with a small trivet. I would like to make a basket to serve muffins or hot rolls. The wrapped method would work well for these.
Rhonda D in KY
I’m always needing coasters so that’s where I would start. The oval tray is so neat that I would have to try it next.
Joyce West
I would start with a flat coaster or hot pad then move up to the curved bowls. thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this book.
Cecilia
I would probably start out with the coasters since this is new to me.
Cathy
I will start with coasters in family members’s colors for Christmas presents. Then I will move on to baskets with varigated threads for different folks!!
MaryL
I have done this technique by wrapping the clothes line with strips of fabric and then zig-zag into trivets, bowls and even a couple of small rugs using denim. Very easy and fun. I use them to store my current knitting/crocheting project and have given them as gifts. Even my sons use the trivets. I like the look of the natural clothes line and plan to make some items for gifts
Peggy
I would probably start with the coasters as well. I have a special machine that I do canvas sail repair with, and I think these rope items would sew very easily with this machine.
Karen
I should make some small bowls for the pins in my fitting room.Thanks for the give away.
Carol
I want to make the vessel with the handles. It looks like great fun!
Janice Peterson
I would start with a coaster. I would love to make the small bowl, also.
Tammy Ori
I would start with the trivet then to the bowls. I have been wanting to do this for a long time. Thanks!
LoAnn
I would like to make the oval bowl with handles, but would probably start out with coasters.
kathy
Of course I want to jump right in and make the bag that is on the front of the book! Great idea
Barbie gearin
Very good instruction…..I like the larger bowl with the handles and would make it for pine cones for the holiday season.
Colleen Eskridge
I’d like to dive in and go BIG! Start with the oval basket. Love this idea.
Barbara Gearin
Great instruction….. I would make the larger bowl with handles and place pinecones in it for the holidays.
Pam
I like the baskets and the tote on front of the book. Thanks for the chance to win!
Debbie
For once I would start with the coasters. I usually start projects without practicing with beginner projects. But since I like all of the projects, I think I will eventually try them all. Very well explained Lindsey and Nancy! Thank you.
Edna Marks
I would start with coasters, just to figure out how to do it, then I like the oval basket.
Marty
I’ve wanted to make a ‘rope’ basket: this looks like the perfect resource for tips!
Robin Mundell
I found some USNavy themed fabric in my stash, and going to make my hubby, who was a sailor during Vietnam War, an oval basket for his dresser to put his wallet, keys and pocket change into at night.
Pauline Dean
I would love to try and make the bag on the front of the book, and the costers I think would make great gifts for Christmas. I love the oval basket with the handles also.
Sarah
I probably would make coasters first. Though I could see making a dish and putting Christmas gifts in and giving as a gift bag/ dish!
Karen P
I would like to make the tote on the front cover, it looks like it would be a strong bag.
L Watson
I would like to make the oval tray because of the useful handles. However, I would probably make the coasters first for practice, these are great gift ideas!
E. Watson
I would have probably make the coasters first. Then I would make the mini dishes. I’m not sure what I would put in them yet, but I love mini dishes!
Becky
I’d have to start with the coaster to get the feel of the technique and would love to make some bowls and baskets for my hobby room and kitchen. They be great insulators for hot dishes in the kitchen.
Maeve
I would make small bowls. I would first paint sections of the clothesline with acrylic paints, allow to dry overnight, then sew into bowls with colorful threads. I think these bowls would make nice gifts! 😉
Anne Z.
I would make the small bowls. I think they would be great gifts….filled with chocolates.
Charlotte
I used to do this back in the 1980’s. I was working part time at a quilt/fabric/needlework store and the Suzanne McNeill way of covering large cord with fabric and coil8ng on a wood base was so popular but too time consuming for me. I figured out how to do it by machine. My boss wasn’t happy…she said nobody would want to do it. So I dropped the idea after making coasters and baskets. A few years later someone else wrote a book and boom…it was everywhere! I would love to try the tote bag. Since I already know how to handle the cord and sewing machine I think I could tackle it. Thanks for giving us a chance to win.
Regina conti
I discovered the fun and joy of making clothesline baskets/ bowls last year. I have made many fabric covered clotheslines bowls/ trays. Now I am newly inspired to create with the “naked” rope. Thanks Lindsay and Nancy. Hugs to you Nancy
Pam
I would probably make a minibowl first and work my way up to the tote.
Ramona
I would probably make the coasters first to give to my Sailor son for his home…..they have a nautical look about them. I would really like to work my way up to even bigger projects.
Lynne H
I have made coiled vessels with very large piping and rag strips. This would be a wonderful technique to make smaller pieces. Thanks for the lesson.
Mary Wippold
I’ve made rope bowls before and given them as gifts. The recipients all loved them. I’ll definitely make more since I find making them to be very relaxing. I also like using multicolored thread when making them.
SONJA HANSEN
I would start with the oval tray. Thanks for sharing.
patricia crocker
I would love to make bowls but I know I need to do the coasters first. Love this video and I a going to order the starter kit. Thanks ever so much Nancy.
Patricia L. Swann
I’m going to have to try this!
Lolita Cox
Great segment. I was cleaning my basement last week and found a bag of rope. Now, why would I even have that?
Carol
The coasters are probably the easiest to make but I love the oval tray so that would be my 1st choice.
Lollie Ellingson
Thank you for sharing this technique. I’ll start with the coasters, nice size to learn, but what great gifts.
Nancy Powell
I’m going to try a basket with handles. I’ve done some simple bowls but am looking forward to trying something new! Thanks.
Dorothy S.
I would love to make the oval tray.
Kris
I would start with the coasters, but I would love to make the basket with the handles!
Beverly Richard
I love the oval shaped container, & I have the clothesline rope.
Jade
I would start with coasters and trivets then see what happens next??!!
Christina Gingerich
Purses for the granddaughters would be fun, but I better start with coasters.
Starla
Wow, I love the three-dimensional items!
Mary Ann Hatcher
I’d like to try a basket first. I @@ ways choose the more difficult first!
Linda
This is an awesome way to use up scrapes and to make a very nice useful Item !!
Nancy W
Oh, my. I just finished four coasters and a mini bowl and I think I am hooked!! I love the modern look, and these are really fast and simple to make. Thank you for the wonderful Christmas gift idea.
Anita
Fabric wrapping rope was a tad complicated. I really like this technique. I’m going to make a JUMBO-coaster, actually a hot-pad to park right-from-the-oven casserole dishes on (and — depending upon my abilities — am considering making soles for a pair of house slippers). Looks like fun!
Mary Ann Hatcher
I’d like to try a basket first. I always choose the more difficult first!
Francena
I will make the coasters first!
Peggy Riordan
I will try the small bowl first and hopefully make larger ones for Christmas presents this year!
Ginger
I would love to try the oval dish.
Casey Gifford
I would make the coasters first to get the hands of it then on to the bowls!
Nancy
I’ve always admired these and don’t know where to start! I would love this learning tool!
Linda Jones
I would love to make the oval basket to fit my baking dish. I think that I would dye the rope first to give it some color.
Marian M Sayers
I’ve always wanted to try this. I think I’d start with the coasters and work my way up from there!
Deniz Ganowsky
Love these Rope projects. Thank you for the great video tutorial. I would love to win this and think the coasters would be my first project to try.
Barbara F
Looks like I found a Christmas gift idea. A Home Depot is close too
Barbara F
Looks like I’ll be making coasters as Christmas gifts. Hoping I win I can make other projects. We have a Home Depot close so I can go shopping
Joan S
LOVE the tote bag so it would be first project.
Micki Turk
I would like to try the basket with handles. Love the look!
Jackie T
Great Christmas projects. I would start with the coasters. Thanks for the inspiration.
Kris
I have made many fabric wrapped clothesline baskets. Now I am going to try the oval tray. So cute and easier than the wrapping the fabric! Thank you!
Vicky Griffin
My first rope-sewing project would be the coasters. The medium results in a nice look. … interesting possibilities.
Meriul
I would make some coasters first and then tackle the oval tray!
Sue P
I’d like to start with the coasters and then move up to the basket and tote. I like the way she secures the base of the projects
Carol Scott
I would start small first like with the mini bowl to get the feel of how the machine and myself coordinate with connecting cotton rope with the satin stitch and zig zag. After I feel I have accomplished this. I would definitely try making everyday tote.
Laurie Hug
Since I will want to make them all, I will make the coasters first and progress from there. Very attractive – every single project!
Doreen Linehan
I started a fabric covered rope bowl years ago. I would have to finish that first & then maybe some simple coasters.
Anna Hollar
Love to win this book. The projects look like so much fun. I definitely would need to start with the coaster!
Pamela
They made it look so easy! I would love to make these items, especially the basket with handles. Thank you for this chance.
Tina
I am intrigued to start with coasters and then create a shallow basket or tray.
Cathy C
Definitely bowls!
Dena
Bowl would be my first project. I would take it to work and use to hold paper clips!
Rebecca Russell
I feel very excited about making the coasters and then bags with handles. I have 3 daughters and a granddaughter to make the bags for.
Patti
First I would like to dye the rope and then use contrasting thread. My first project would be the purse ! Go Big or Go Home they say !!!! :}
Debby Brawner
I would make a handbag with red accents.
Sue
I haven’t been sewing for a long time. When I saw this rope sewing on TV, it made me want to get back into sewing for crafts. Looks like so much fun and everything is functional.
Phyllis
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I’ve made round and oval bowls. Yesterday I showed my quilting group how to make rope bowls. What fun, creative, inexpensive gifts these make! I gave two away as Christmas gifts.
TINA
I saw this episode today and love it! I’m going to try a coaster first but I really want to make the purse!!! Thanks for sharing this idea! Lindsey-you should be selling these! Your work is great!
Alice metivier
Enjoyed the tutorial on rope sewing. Would like to try please enter me in drawing. Enjoy your show. Keep teaching and inspiring. Thank you