Page 277 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

1480. The ROPE YARN KNOT is used when serving standing rigging.

It bulks three times the size of the rope yarn, while a REEF KNOT

bulks four times the size. To tie, split each rope yarn into two equal

parts and tease all parts to a point, then crotch or marry the two

ends. Cross two opposing parts and tie a HALF KNOT in them on the

1480 opposite $ide of the structure. Sometimes the knot is tied contrary

to the lay of the rope yarn. Either way will serve, but the former

makes a smoother knot. Rope yarn generally has a right lay.

The ends are buried underneath the service as it progresses and

the knot is hardly evident. This is neither strong enough nor secure

enough to be used as a general-purpose bend.

1481. Sometimes the knot is pictured with an extra turn. This

might prove to be a little stronger, but it also may not be quite so

,q.8'
secure.

1482. A MARLINE BEND. Marline has a left lay generally, being

composed of two right-laid yarns. It may be tied with any of the

ROPE YARN KNOTS. The underlying HALF KNOT shown here is

optional.

1483. A ROPE YARN BEND in three-strand small stuff is sometimes

pictured, but generally in serving with small stuff a SHORT SPLICE

tucked either once or else once and a half is used.

,48'3

1484. A YARN SPLICE was shown to me by S. R. Ashley, who

employs it in her knitting. The yarn is teased, split, and married,

then is twisted with the lay and knitted in, while holding the twist

intact with the fingers. Worked in this way, the knot or splice

cannot be detected. As the splice is made at the exact point where

the yarn is about to enter the fabric, the knitting presents no manual

'494
difficulties.

1485. The TUCKED BEND is now very generally used when serving

with either marline or small stuff, having to a large extent superseded

the ROPE YARN KNOT and the MARLINE BEND. Each end is tucked

twice through the other end.

1486. REEVING-OFF BEND, also called marrying a rope. When

reeving off new running rigging, butt the ends of the new and old

ropes together. Worm three short pieces of marline into the cunt-

'01\8 S lines, bridging the joint. Seize the wormings twice in each end. Then

tuck the three ends "as they lie"; that is to say, tuck under, not

over and under.

1487. Nowadays this may be more quickly but less safely done

with "electric tape." Butt the ends as before and lay a number of

lengthwise strips of rubber tape across the joint until it is covered.

Then bind or serve helically with tape. Cover completely with

1486 tallow or talc powder; otherwise the tape may pull off in passing

through the block. The best method is to serve with marline over

,481 several lengthwise strips of tape.

1488

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