Page 121 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

SINNETS 115

nine-Strand english Sinnet ROUnD SinnetS
English Sinnet is made with an odd or an even Round Sinnets start out very similarly to Flat
number of strands, starting with the simplest, the Sinnets, in that the strings/cords are gathered
Three-Strand Sinnet. All other English Sinnets are together in one place. There, however, the similarity
made in the same pattern. The pattern is to take normally ends. Round Sinnets are normally
the outer strand on the right side over, under, over, gathered together using a tie or an elastic band. The
under each strand in turn to the left, etc., for the tie that I prefer to use is the Constrictor Knot. This
length you need. It is a very simple sinnet and can ensures that my piece does not come undone while
look quite nice, provided that you do not exceed I am working on it (though the knot is sometimes
about ten strands – after that number of strands it hard to remove at the end when you have finished
starts to become difficult to handle as it is not easy your piece). If you have not used it before, here
to keep regular tension on too many strands. is a series of photographs of just one way the
Constrictor Knot can be made. I am showing it on
nine-Strand French Sinnet white tubing for clarity.
French Sinnet must be made with an odd number of
strands, at least seven strands or it will not look right,
and is always made taking the strands five left and
four right (if using nine stands – amend to similar
split with larger or smaller odd number of strands)
moving the left outer over four to centre and coming
from each side in turn to the centre. When you are
making a French Sinnet, you must be sure to keep the
tension even or the pattern will quickly be lost. With
an odd number this will not be a concern. French
Sinnet may also be woven loosely. The weave is
identical (left outer over all left cords to centre, right
outer over all right cords to centre), but looks looser 1 Wrap the line around your strands (shown here
as you might expect. Be aware that some French as a tube) and cross it over itself to the right (or
Sinnets, when made with a large number of strands, left).
may first be woven from a weave of two, three, or
more strands into sets of braids that are then woven
together to form a more interesting sinnet!
Bottom: The Nine-strand French
Sinnet.
Top: The tighter version
of the Nine-strand
French Sinnet.

2 Bring the line around behind your strands,

crossing the standing part and then tucking
under it.