Finishing the Munenawa: The Herringbone

If you completed the munenawa in the last post and had extra rope and weren't sure what to do with it here is one option that is quite decorative. It is a simple herringbone pattern that is used to "chew up" that extra rope. 

Please note that when you do this herringbone pattern too tightly it will pull the two shoulder ropes together. If you have tied the munenawa tightly this could become uncomfortable for your bottom. That might be what you are going for but it is something to take into consideration. If you are trying to make sure it doesn't get too tight then don't allow the herringbone to pull the two shoulder ropes together. 

When finishing off the munenawa don't do the lock knot as shown in the original post. Instead
Pull the rope through the bight as shown. 

Redirect the rope back up between the shoulder ropes. 

Split the rope and pull each side underneath the shoulder ropes. 

Pull each side completely through. 

Take one side and bring it back over the shoulder rope and then underneath the shoulder rope on the
opposite side. It doesn't matter which side you start on. 

Take the original rope from the opposite side and bring it over the rope it started on then under the rope
on the opposite shoulder. 

When the first set is done it should look like this.

You will continue weaving the individual ropes back and forth in the same pattern.
Remember which side you started on and make sure that is how you continue weaving it. 

Keep going until you have about 10 inches  or so of rope left on each side. 

At this point you take one of the ropes and vine (wrap) it over the shoulder rope.

When there is only a little bit of rope left then open the pair of ropes that go over the
shoulder and put the single strand through. If it is natural fiber rope there should be enough
friction to hold it in place. 

Repeat the process on the other side. When completed the herringbone pattern should look like this.