Page 223 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices

Turk’s heads are nothing more than a continuous plait of a single piece of line

round something. When finished, they appear to have no beginning or end.
They are found all over the world in many sizes and complexities, tied in a

range of materials and even carved in stone. Their uses are as varied as the
materials they are tied in; sometimes as functional but decorative bindings,

sometimes as an item on their own. The initial knot is made as a single-ply
woven band; it may then be followed round a second or third time to double or

triple the knot. To help describe Turk’s heads we count the number of loops—

called bights—on the edge of the ring, and the number of strands that go to
make up the kind of plait before it is doubled or tripled—we call them leads or
parts. As you create the knot, look out for the formation of “diamonds” and

“ladders”—these will be needed later as the knot evolves. It is best to make the

simpler Turk’s heads round your hand, then transfer it to where it is wanted. It
can be tightened round the object.

Index of Decorative and Fancy Knots

Three-Lead, Four-Bight Turk’s Head 222

Three-Lead, Five-Bight Turk’s Head 226

Four-Lead, Three-Bight Turk’s Head 230

Four-Lead, Five-Bight Turk’s Head 232

Five-Lead, Four-Bight Turk’s Head 234

True Lover’s Knot 236
Sailor’s Cross 238

Bosun’s Whistle Lanyard Knot 240

Doubled Bosun’s Whistle Lanyard Knot 242

Ocean Mat 244

Prolong Mat 246

Danish Kringle Mat 248

Half Hitching 251

221