It's macrame (if you didn't know, don't think i think youre dumb or anything!) . Uhhhh I actually have a book on how to do this kind of stuff, I'd scan but it's busted sorry. googling macrame techniques should get you some instructions...maybe not for the exact thing, but something like it
http://www.elainecraft.com/instructions/instructions.html is another great site with macrame patterns - I don't do that type much myself, but I think that pattern is primarily double half hitches.
its a double half hitch and a square knot in the middle of the x's more of an moderate to advanced pattern. It appears it is made out of hemp aswell.