Page 497 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

2959. Two strands platted over a one-cord foundation. ThIs is

reminiscent of square knotting, being built over a foundation, but

examination will show that the strands are actually platted around

the cord instead of being knotted. The outer or top strands are

2t:t60 worked alternately, first from one side, then the other.

2960. This is similar to the last but has two foundation strands.

The outer or top strands are worked alternately from first one side

and then the other in regular over-and-under sequence, while the

foundation strands are inactive.

2961. A THREE-STRAND PLAT. The foundation consists of two

strands and there is but one filler or working strand. Start with the

filler in the center and lead all strands to the center position as in

~ 2965, but the sequence is quite different. Lead the left strand to

center (a foundation strand); next lead the left to center (the filler);

follow with the right to center (a foundation strand); and then the

right to center (the filler). Plat very firmly and from time to time

crowd back the filler so that the foundation is completely covered.

The filler strand is at least five or six times longer than the founda-

tion cords.

2962. PLAT, HAT or STRAW SINNET. This is the way in which the

first "sailor hats" were made at sea, of straw, or of split palmetto

leaf. At each change of direction the straw is folded the other side

Be careful to draw y and before creasing the

~ sequence ~ ~ ~

-~--------
of moves . in the illustration. To make the hat, start with

BUTTON ~ 2590 and sew the sinnet around it spirally.

2963. A puncb or wrought mat. A narrow punch mat makes a

FLAT SINNET that is often used in chafing gear. An even number of

single strands are hung over a foundation rope that is stretched taut

between two pins. All the strands in this sinnet continue through-

29~2. out to hold their original positions. Since the strands are "laid up"

with each other-that is to say, a slight individual twist is imparted

to each, which is contrary to the way they are twisted together-

they have little tendency to untwist. The two upper left strands are

laid up together right-handed, one turn, and are knotted together

each time they have been worked. Having laid up the first pair, the

second pair (3 and 4) are laid up together in the same way. Then

the left strand of the second group (3) is laid up one complete turn

with the right strand of the first group (2) and then land 2 are again

laid up together one turn. Then 5 and 6 are treated in the same

way. After laying two strands together the left one of the pair is

always engaged with the next strand to the left. In this wa the

sinnet is built up in a series of long diagonals from right to Ie t, the

back and front being identical. The finished appearance is also

shown as #3494·

2964. A woven or sword mat. Ashore this is used for girths in

horse harness. At sea this is made on a rough loom as illustrated.

Originally the sword was a fiat, pointed, swordlike stick used to

sw