Page 13 - Two Knotty Boys Showing You The Ropes

How Long Have You Got? At the End of Your Rope
The length of rope you All rope ends can be
will need varies greatly finished using a simple
with the design you intend knot, or wrapped with
to tie, the diameter of cloth/electrical tape, or
your rope, and the size of sealed with latex “tool
your model. As an Electrical tape is a quick and easy way to keep the ends dip,” or just left to fray
example, a good rope from fraying. Tightly wind the tape where you want the into tassels. A popular
corset of about seven ends; then cut in the middle of the taped portion to finishing is whipping—
doubled winds around the render two finished tips. especially for natural fiber
torso requires about 40’ ropes like hemp and jute.
of / 8” rope. To cover the Whipping requires a
3
same area with a finer, careful technique (easily
3
more delicate rope ( / 16”) found in books or online)
requires about 100’ (not to wind thread around the
recommended, unless you ends. The drawback of
are patient enough to whipping or tool dip is
repeatedly untangle it). that repeatedly pulling the
ends through knots can
It’s useful to have a unravel the whipping or
variety of lengths. Shorter wear off the seal.
lengths of 6’–10’ are Synthetic rope like nylon can be sealed by melting with
good for single-limb a flame. (A chef’s torch works best.) First, lightly melt The ends of nylon or other
restraint. 30’–40’ is a an area about an inch wide. Let it cool. Then cut it in synthetic rope can be
great standard for most the middle with scissors. melted with a flame. For
decorative, harness and melting, we recommend
double-limb wrapping. pinching the hot ends down
25’ sections are de so that the sharp, hard
rigueur for Japanese-style “mushroom scab” doesn’t
bondage. Body harnesses scratch skin or fray the rope
are rope hogs, so allow each time it’s pulled through
50’–60’. Plan a little a knot. You can make such
longer than you think you “bullet ends” more easily if
will need. You can you first lightly melt a small
always cut or braid the After you’ve cut the pre- For softer tips, you can area across the spot you’re
excess. You never curse melted rope, heat the ends trim the end a couple of going to cut. Then melt the
the two inches you have, again and taper the tips to inches away from the cut ends and shape the hot
only the two inches you prevent them from snagging melted section and fray tips using thick gloves or
don’t have! your rope. the end into a tassel. other padding.

Two Knotty Boys Showing You the Ropes 5