Page 58 - Lindsey Philpott "The Ultimate Book of Decorative Knots"

4 braids and plaits

Braids, plaits, and sinnets – what’s the difference, Blanckley (1750), and Dana (1841), with Ashley
if there is one? This chapter is my attempt to following suit (1944). Falconer (1769) insisted upon
distinguish between the terms (although we cover the alternative spelling “sennit”. And both of these
sinnet in another later chapter). Some very eminent maritime terms are still in use today.’
and sensible people have tried to make sense of Clifford Ashley says, ‘The word braid appears to
these differences before, but there does not appear have been applied almost exclusively to Flat Sinnets.’
to be a consensus. We will explore their thoughts He goes on to describe how ‘the word plat or plait,
further below. Still, whatever the terminology, besides meaning braid, also means a fold in cloth. It
braiding and plaiting are wonderful arts that bring is often spelled pleat, but is always pronounced plat
beautiful cords together. at sea. Sailors use the word when platting a mat.’
Let’s start by looking at the differences and Graumont & Hensel, authors of the Encyclo­
similarities between braids, plaits, and sinnets. pedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work, state that Plait
First some definitions (and guesses?) from past and is the ‘same as braid and plat’.
current experts such as G. Budworth, C.W. Ashley, Hervey Garrett Smith, author of The Marline­
R. Graumont, J. Hensel, H.G. Smith, C.L. Day and spike Sailor, first published in 1956, does not
the OED: address any difference that may exist between the
Geoffrey Budworth, author of several prominent two.
knotting books, states ‘Captain John Smith (1626) Cyrus Day, author of Knots and Splices, speaks
called plaits “sinnets”. So did Manwayring (1644), in his book of the term ‘plaited rope’, referring to