Page 60 - Des Pawson's "Knot Craft: 35 Ropework Projects"

KNOTCRAFT 2009:Layout 1 23/10/09 12:17 Page 59

Tiller/Boat Hook

Covering

O MAKE A GOOD grip on a tiller, boathook handle, mast sup-
Tport post, stanchion or grab handle is a simple enough job
using a series of half hitches. This can be with just a single
strand of line, the hitches all going in one direction, which gives
a spiral effect and is known as French hitching, French whip-
ping or grapevine service. If more than one strand is used there
are many combinations of either direction of hitch or the num-
ber of strands used, giving many patterns. The two I show here
are named Moku hitching and St Mary’s hitching, and were first
shown by Brion Toss in WoodenBoat magazine about 20 years
ago. They are both simple and relatively quick to do and give
very distinct patterns. From these basic ideas you can experi-
ment to create lots more patterns. Whatever style or styles of
hitching you use, finish each end with a Turk’s head.
When all is done you may consider varnishing the work. This
is essential if the material you have used to hitch with is natural
and is likely to be exposed to the weather, as left untreated it will
soon work loose. However, be careful as varnishes tend to

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