How to Tie Authentic Japanese Float Knots

Have you ever seen a Japanese glass float with the wonderful hand knotted netting? We’re going to show you how to get the exact look for home decor with a budget saving thrift store find!

We spotted this authentic Japanese glass fishing float in an antique store. But take a gander at the price tag! Wow; that's definitely not in our budget! Not only will you get that authentic nautical Japanese fish float look in this I'ble - with only one piece of cord, but for just pennies in comparison.

Notwithstanding our lack of fishing float, if you’re lucky enough to be in possession of a real one, this tutorial will instruct you on how to re-knot it! Be sure to watch our video to see how we do our budget version using a thrift store find! It will show you step-by-step how it's done! Just the way it was done at the turn of last century!

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• 3mm, 4 ply natural cotton macrame rope (note, this one is beige, not bleached white as the one I’m using).
• Thread stand
• Spool of thread (to hold centre)
• Glass light globe (thrifted)
• Scissors
• Paint stick
• Cardboard
• Candle holder base (optional; this one from Amazon comes in two sizes and is pretty & ‘beachy’)

Instead of rope, I’m using macrame cord for a fresh look. However, if you prefer jute rope, go ahead and use that!

I didn’t stumble on a vintage glass float in the ocean (darn!). So I’m doing the next best thing. This glass light globe caught my eye at the thrift store. At a whopping $2.99, it suits my budget just fine thank you!

You’ll find all sorts of inspiration at the thrift store. I see the round glass light fixtures shown in the second picture frequently! You can re-envision anything that has a round circular shape. As well as being round, for this I'ble, it’s important that choose something with a hole in the top. That’s because I have something fun in mind!

1. To start, form a loop. The picture doesn’t show it, but be sure to leave a 3 foot tail before forming the loop (where you see the green tape).
2. Wrap the tail end around the loop until back to the beginning.
3. Weave the tail end through a wrap to keep it secure. Flip around so tail is on the left.
4. Form a loop around 3 cm, that’s same width as a paint stick.
5. Pinching the loop with your left hand, bring the cord around to the back and push through the centre. Push the loop forward, down and around the first loop formed to capture it.
6. Then pull the cord to tighten the knot.
7. Continue around the centre hole until you have 11 loops.
8. In case you’re having trouble keeping your loops consistent, use a paint stick.
9. When back to the beginning, form a double knot (a half double hitch) to bring the two ends together (this is the twelfth loop).

1. Since it will help keep your work steady, secure your first row onto something like a thread holder. I also have a thread spool in the centre so the cord just pops right over. This allows you to easily turn the work as you progress.
2. Cut a piece of cardboard 6mm or 2 3/8″ wide. Slip it under the first working loop. Bring the working yarn up around the cardboard.
3. Bring the working cord through the working loop and pull down to allow the spool of cord to pass through. IMPORTANT: ensure that the cord is positioned on the left side as you pull, or your knot will be twisted.
4. Bring the spool under the new loop and pass the spool through from left to right.
5. Pull the cord.
6. Tighten the knot.
7. Remove the cardboard.
8. Try to be consistent with the loops but if your loops aren’t consistent, it just adds character.
9. Continue until back to the beginning. Then double knot the ends once again using the tail end.
10. After tightening the knot, ensure the tail ends up on the left side.
11. Repeat for as many rows as needed to cover the length of the ball and reach the opening in the light fixture.

I hand knotted 5 rows, but that will all depend on the size of the fixture you started with. When you’re ready to secure around the opening, flip the net to the other side so it’s right side up. Then drop the netting around the glass ball as shown.

If your cord is floppy vs. stiff rope, it’s helpful to temporarily tape the top loops to the glass to hold it in place as you finish off (as shown in the video).

Flip the ball and net upside down so the opening is face up. Use a roll of tape to under the bottom to stabilize the glass ball and keep it from rolling. Then weave the tail end in and out of the mesh loops and tighten around the opening. Knot the two pieces of cord together.

Cut the working end, leaving a long tail. Because you’ll want to neatly hide the loose ends, use a bodkin to weave between the twisted plies of the cord. Do this a few times with both the tail and cut ends of the cord. However, weave in opposite directions to cut down the bulk.

Lastly, carefully cut the loose ends.

It should look neat, but this will become the back of the glass ball.

Ensure the loops are evenly distributed. Here’s how it looks on the bottom.

The first pic is a reminder of the glass ball before (we found the candle holder base in another aisle and put them together). Because of the diamond texture on the glass, I didn’t paint it. It’s awesome just the way it is. However, if changing the colour of the glass is something that appeals to you, there are many great sea glass spray paints out there you can try.

The starting point forms a base that allows your glass ball to stand. Finally, pop in a succulent plant for a pop of greenery. At last, our Japanese inspired decor is done!

Below, we’re showing it on our upcycled book ‘shelf’. If you want to see a really cool way to upcycle a book, check that project out.

This light, bright and airy glass planter is sitting pretty on our book ‘shelf’.

However, you don’t even have to put a plant in. The last picture shows another option; flip the glass ball the other way and display it in all its knotty glory on a candle holder base. A star fish completes the nautical vibe!

Do you feel ready to try your hand at hand tying a Japanese glass float? If you like to learn new skills, don’t forget to get your craft mojo on at Birdz of a Feather and subscribe! You can also follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.