Page 498 - The Ashley Book of Knots

PLAT SINNETS

open the warpJor each strand of filler, after which the sword ham-

mered the filler into place. The shuttle was generally a ball or

hank, or else a large homemade netting needle consisting of a flat

stick deeply notched at each end. A sword is still used in beating

back the filler (see also #3493).

2965

2965. FLAT, ENGLISH, ORDINARY or CoMMON SINNET is the plat or

braid seen in schoolgirl pigtails. It is made of three strands and is the

simplest possible plat.

To make: Secure three strands together and make the end fast

to a hook or nail. Hold two strands in the right hand and one in the

left. Bring the outer right strand down across its sister strand and lay

it arallel to and below the single left strand. Now bring the upper

Ie t strand down across its sister strand and lay it parallel to and

below the single right strand. Repeat alternately.

---2966-.- -P-ossibl-Y'--a-{ju-i~-ker--but- less -usual \va'T- to make this plat- is - - --- - ----- ---- --

to pass the strands at the back, employing onfy the first and second

fingers and the thumbs.

2967. With more than three strands it is well to secure the strands

in a straight line. Two pencils and two elastic bands are sufficient

apparatus. FLAT SI~NET may be made with any odd number of

strands in the way already described. The outer strands are moved

alternately, and the tension is correctly and evenly arranged as each

strand is passed. 1

2968. Seven strands is about the practical limit of the method.

Beyond that there is difficulty in keeping it even. Even if a degree

of success is achieved, a very little rough treatment will cause it to

distort.

2q68
2969. Unless for some special purpose, this method is usually

limited to an odd number of strands, as with an even number of

strands the sinnet is unsymmetrical. But I have seen the braid, made

as if with three strands in the left hand and one in the right hand,

as here pictured, used as edging on theater-seat upholstery. Of

course it was machine-made.

2970. If made of flat thongs, straw or shoestrings, the strands

may be turned over at each edge. This will result in a sinnet with

straight even edges.

2971. If the same method of turning edges is applied where units

of two or three parallel round cords are used, instead of single
Z':J72.

strands, a distinctive sinnet results.

2972. In this sinnet the strands are double and parallel. The effect

is very different from the last, in which the edges were turned.

2973. The number of sinnets that are possible with three strands

only seem very limited. Three are given on these two facing pages. 2.')73

2974. With four strands the horizon is somewhat widened.

2975. This sinnet is of interest as it has the same diagram form as

W: 297 2, but the strands, instead of being parallel in pairs, are all laid

alternately over one and under one .

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