Page 459 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

2754. SAILMAKER'S EYE SPLICES are shown on this page. Boltrope

being three-strand, the sailmaker is not concerned with FOUR-STRAND

EYES. The first three shown are actually identical in structure, al-

though this may not at first be apparent. They are different methods

-; that sailmakers have of sticking the same splice. The strand ends

are numbered in the order in which they are stuck.

2.

The SAILMAKER'S SPLICE is not intended to be used unsupported

by stitches. Recently in a sail loft I noted that twelve sail bench
1

hooks out of fifteen bore ordinary OVER-AND-UNDER SAILOR'S EYE

2154 SPLICES. This may be taken as an expression of opinion from the

sailmaker himself.

The common way of sticking the SAILMAKER'S EYE SPLICE (I)

is the one given first. The splice being arranged as in the first

•
diagram, each strand is run down in turn-that is to say, it is backed-

the full length of the splice, then the next strand is run down. At

3 each tuck a few yarns are cut off short on the underside. The num-

ber of yarns removed should be the same for each tuck. The three
1

ends should terminate in a row, along the rope, when reduced to

3 three or four yarns. This is illustrated as ~ 2757.

2755. SAIL MAKER's EYE SPLICE (2). Although differently stuck,

this is identical with ~ 2754. At the beginning of Chapter 34, the

method of backing a sailmaker's strand is described.

2756. SAILMAKER'S EYE SPLICE (3). This is also the same as ~2754.

Z75(,

~
2757. SAILMAKER'S EYE SPLICE (4). The sticking of this splice is

structurally different. It is frequently seen, but is not often used

without a thimble. It is more regular, but a little less compact than

the common SAILMAKER'S SPLICE. When sewed to a sail, this last is

unimportant. It is tucked as directed for ~ 2754. SAIL MAKER's EYE

SPLICES average about fifty per cent longer than the SAILOR'S EYE

SPLICE. All splices in a sail are cross stitched for their full length.

A modification of this splice is used in archery to form the loop

of a modern bowstring. The "string" is a single yarn consisting of

a multi licity of small linen threads. These are laid up by hand for

about fteen inches into three finn strands (~I 44), having the same

lay as the bowstring itself. After being laid up about nine inches,

the strands should be tapered gradually to the ends and, having been

beeswaxed, they are stuck at the nine-inch point and backed for

2157
their full length. The right-hand illustration represents the finished

aspect of a SAILMAKER'S EYE SPLICE. The eye of a bowstring is

proportionately longer and has no thimble.

2758. A BACKHANDED EYE SPLICE that is stuck in the manner of the

FLEMISH EYE (~2745). Open a rope and layout a single strand,

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