How to Make a Designer Mirror Frame Using Rope

Dear makers,

Today in this instructable I will show you how to make a designer mirror frame using rope. Yes, no wood, no plastic, no metal, no glue etc. Just good old...rope :).

I had this idea since long, but I was busy making jewelries :).

As awesome (and may be complicated) as it looks, it is easier than you think :)... (The keyword is always ...easy :))

I had also previously made a mirror frame using pebbles, you might want to check it out:)

The inspiration behind the mirror is my paracord projects. I am still very knotty ;). If you have worked with paracord and not with rope , like I did. You will notice that rope work will required some muscle work ..ha ha. Don't worry, you don't have to play tug of war here.

Oh and this is totally a origianal idea of mine, so if you are reading this, you are among the special ones :D

PS: I am very happy to post this 50th instructable of mine. I like to thank everyone here for continuous supply of motivation and inspiration :)

Lets see how to make a designer mirror frame using rope.

Step 1: Things You Will Need to Make Designer Mirror Frame Using Rope

To make this mirror or exactly like this mirror, you will need

A round mirror. Diameter of your choice. Mine is 11"
A rope around 1/2" thick. I used natural fiber (I guess silk) rope, but you can use any rope so long as it is neatly braided.

To work on this mirror size using 1/2" thick rope, I used around 24 feet of rope. The best part of this design is you don't have to cut your rope initially to fit the measurements, you can just keep on tying and when you are done, you can choose to cut the rope to desired length.

The knot pattern that we will use is round brocade knot. the beauty of this knot is that it forms a nice hollow space inside, which allows any object like this mirror to fit in the gap securely.

Ready to get knotty?...lets start.

Step 2: Knotting the Rope

See images above and follow:

Leave about 1 feet of rope.
create a loop such that the right side of rope is below the loop intersection.
Make another loop with right cord so that the pattern look like a M shape.
Insert the loop on right into the loop you created in #2.
Twist the inserted loop gently towards right. Carefully tighten the left loop to secure the right loop inside.Pull the right cord to make the loop slightly smaller. (See 3rd image in sequence.) This is important
Keep repeating from 2-5 and measuring with mirror.
Stop when you complete the round pattern and there is gap for at least 1 more knot.

You are almost done. In the next step, you will learn how to join the loose ends and secure the mirror.

Step 3: Securing the Mirror

See images above and follow:

Insert the right end of cord inside the right loop, adjust the cord to make loop little smaller but not too tight.
Pass through the right cord inside the left loop such that left cord is below it.
Return the right cord back inside the right loop but from left side.
Adjust both the loops carefully to make them firm.
Pull right cord to bring the two ends together.Insert the mirror and adjust such that the mirror edges sit inside the tiny canal formed inside due to continuous knot pattern. This is the reason why this knot it suitable for wrapping objects.
Pull both the cords to make the arrangement tight and also make sure the mirror is in place.

Once the mirror is secured properly, it is totally up to you to device the hanging mechanism. Here's what I did.

I kept around a feet long rope on both sides.
Leaving about a quarter feet from top, I tied both the ropes using some white paracord I had. I used simple or overhand knots a couple of times.
I also left the rope ends open such that they form a nice pony tail.

That is all my dear friends. Hang your latest creation with pride.

I loved the way this mirror turned out, I hope you do too.

Thank you for your time to read this ible. Should you have questions or feedback, please do share in the comments below.

If you like it, please do share and please vote.

You are awesome

Stay tuned.