Page 491 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

2931. The method of continuous (helical) crowning was shown

to me by Captain Charles W. Smith. It does not appear to be

recorded in seamanship books although the mechanical sash cord

braider employs it.

The method requires not less than five strands. Three strands

worked in this way will give ordinary plain-laid rope; four strands

will make a two-strand left-hand rope, with two yarns to each

strand. With five strands a sinnet outwardly resembling FOUR-

STRAND CROWN SINNET ~ 29 12 is made. The sinnet builds very much

faster than the knotted variety, but it must be made very' snugly

indeed as it stretches considerably. The third sketch illustrates the

sinnet of five strands, completed, and the fourth sketch shows the

same sinnet after being stretched. With more than seven strands the

use of a core is indicated. Six strands requires no core and is a prac-

tical size.

The method is similar to the sailor's way of making a punch mat

(~2963) which will be shown in the next chapter.

To make: Secure five strands with a CONSTRICTOR KNOT (~I 249)

with the ends uppermost. Grip any two adjacent strands and impart

2." ; I a hard right-hand twist, or half turn, to the right. Drop the first

strand and engage the next one to the right in exactly the same

mannGlf. Continue dropping the earlier strand and picking up the

next to the right before each twist, and at each operation twist the

two strands clockwise until the next one is in position. The motion

in twisting strands is much the same as that employed in driving a

wood screw with a common screw driver and, if continued long

enough, is liable to cause sore fingers.

2932. The same, b another technique. Seize six or seven strands.

Upend one strand on y and hold the rest in the grasp of the left hand.

Bring the upright end down into the grasp of the hand, crossing

2~32 over the next strand to the right as you do so. Then extend the

strand that 'Was crossed. Pull on the new strand strongly, then cross

that one over the next strand to the right, grasp it in hand and extend

the strand just crossed. Continue until sufficient sinnet is made.

If a core is employed, this is about the quickest way of making

•
a covenng.

-- 2933. A method of making a similar DOUBLE SINNET. Take eight

or nine strands and seize them. Upend two strands and hold the rest

in the grasp of the hand. Take the left upstanding strand, bring it

to the right in back of its sister strand and cross it over the next

down hanging strand to the right. Extend the strand that was just

crossed. Take the left upstanding strand and repeat. Exercise care

not to extend by mistake the end that was last laid down. Except for

this, there is little opportunity to go wrong. If a core is used the core

may be secured aloft.