Use the Ocean Plait Braid to make a floor or table mat. Old ropes may be retired to serve as material for these mats. To make an Ocean Plait mat, you'll need a longer length of rope than you think, especially if you plan to triple or quadruple the pattern to make the mat larger.

1 Start by making a right-handed Overhand Bend and lay it on a flat surface with the ends of the rope pointed upward.

2 Pull down both bights of the Overhand and twist each once to the left, forming two crossing turns. Pull the left crossing turn over to the right, and then pull the left side of the right crossing turn through the left crossing turn.

3 Bring down each end and weave it through the mat to give the finished over-and-under pattern.

4 The ends should be interweaved as shown.

It might take a little practice to keep the pattern symmetrical. As you weave the rope, check that the crossings always alternate over and under, never crossing under or over twice consecutively, unless of course the pattern is doubled. The ends can either be seized (see Chapter 12) or sewn in place.