Page 29 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

MATErIALs, METHods, MEAsUrEMEnTs, And TooLs 23

The next object, masking tape, is not often
thought of as a tool, but it is exceedingly useful The next tool is a wooden fid, a tapered tool used
when you want to apply a temporary whipping to to part strands when making splices in three-strand
the end of a cord, when you want to stiffen a cord or four-strand fibre lines. It is also very useful when
for passing it through a piece, or when you need you want to make a small space in a decorative knot
to use a permanent marker to identify which of through which to pass a piece of cord.
several cords you are using. Masking tape holds well
temporarily and can be pulled off and discarded
after it is no longer useful, or when you have
finished your piece. Don’t leave it in place for too
long or it will leave a nasty adhesive residue behind!

A good pair of hemostats is essential if you want
to pull a cord through a small gap. The hemostats
shown are a great pair, made in stainless steel, and
can be locked in the closed position while gripping
an end or a bight of cord.

Above right is polyester whipping twine. I use
a waxed polyester twine, which is very strong and
available in multiple colours, for whipping the
end of my cords and for constrictor knots to hold
sections of cords in place.