Knots

 
  brass escutcheon pins




Mat tying:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Tying-Trivets-out-of-Rope-for-Holiday-Gifts/step3/Securing-the-Ends-Option-1-Seizing/



great for a large neck pillow




http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/12/howto/fenders/index.html



 I could make armchair covers out of knotted mats