Page 183 - The New Encyclopedia of Knots

Form a thumb knot (see page 171) on the vertical strand, trapping the horizontal strand. Next, knot the
horizontal strand in the same way and around the first knot (figure 139.1). Now repeat this, working

with alternate strands, until the required length is reached (figure 139.2). Care should be taken
always to work in the same manner, that is to form all knots left over right, or right over left, or
alternately. Do not tie them randomly.

The plait can also be made on eight strands, which should be laid out as crossing pairs of strands,
about 25mm (1in) apart with the thumb knots tied around both the crossing strands in pairs, to make a

doubled version of the four-stranded plait.

Tight lay see hard lay.

Timber hitch: a simple temporary hitch used for dragging planks; when using it, it is important that the
noose holds tight.

Pass the end of the rope around the timber and then around its own standing part. Then twist the end

back down this bight (figure 140); see also dog, killick hitch.

Tom Fool’s knot or fool’s knot: the knot itself is a trick knot, but it is important because it forms the
basis of other more practical knots such as the chair harness, pinned sheep shank and sheep shank
from a Tom fool’s knot (see pages 37, 148 and 147 respectively).

figure 140