Page 42 - Alpheus Hyatt Verrill "Knots, Splices and Rope-Work"

Another handsome knot for shortening is the more highly ornamental "Open Chain" (Fig.
75). Make the first loop of the rope secure by a twist of the rope and then pass the loose
end through the preceding loop, to right and left alternately, until the knot is complete.

The simplest of all shortenings consists of a loop taken in the rope with the bights seized
to the standing part (Fig. 76). This is particularly well adapted to heavy rope or where a
shortening must be made quickly.

Fig. 77 shows another very simple shortening, which requires no description. This will
not withstand a very great strain but is secure from untying by accident and is very useful
for taking up spare rope of lashings on bundles or baggage.