Page 508 - The Ashley Book of Knots

PLAT SINNETS

a single block and to make the end fast to a pin or cleat so that it

may be adjusted at frequent intervals as the sinnet grows.

3024. Cyrus L. Day, in his book Sailors' Knots, gives the method

of making ROUND SINNET in a position the reverse of what I have

described, with the strands hanging downward. I have never seen 3023

this method described elsewhere. If a core is used (CROSS-POINTING)

there seems to be little to choose between the two methods, but I

prefer the old way for a regular ROUND SINNET, without a core, as

it gives a firmer mass to grasp in the hand.

The directions for making this are identical with what has already

been given, the sole difference in working being that the strands are

pulled downward when tightening instead of upward.

3025. ROUND SINNET. A "skip-strand" method for ROUND SINNET

and CROSS-POINTING, with eight strands. The strands are divided and I

arranged as in the ROUND SINNET just described but the upper strand

in its downward diagonal crosses two lower strands instead of one,

and it is the second one to be crossed that is raised or extended each

time. It will assist greatly when first making this sinnet if the strands

of the two sets are marked (one set moves to the right, the other to

the left). If two colors are not available, dip one set in strong tea or

coffee, the other in water, and dry them. But if time is lacking, tie an

OVERHAND KNOT in the ends of one set. It will also assist materially

if the strands are started as SINNET )IIl£ 302 I, until they are in regular

formation.

To make: With eight strands in hand, raise each alternate one and

lay it back over the forefinger and hold the remainder in the grasp

of the left hand. Do two movements of )IIl£ 302 I, one set to the left

and then one set to the right; the sinnet is now ready to start. Take
\

any upper strand and lead it downward in a right diagonal, crossing

two lower strands. Grasp the strand that was moved in the left hand

and extend the last or second strand that was crossed. Rotate the 302.5"

structure counterclockwise one quarter turn, so that the next upper

strand to the left is in position. Repeat with this and then with the

remaining two strands. When the fourth upper strand has been

moved, do not shift the grip but grasp the second upstanding strand

to the right of it, lead it in a left diagonal downward over the two

lower strands and extend the last or second one that was passed. Ro-

tate the structure one quarter turn clockwise and repeat with the

next upstanding strand to the right. Do likewise with the remaining

two. The two complete cycles of the sinnet have now been made.

This sinnet may be made without a core up to ten, or pOisibly

twelve, strands. But a core of about twice the diameter of a strand

can be empioyed to advantage with twelve and fourteen strands.

3026. A "SKIP-STRAND" SINNET (three strands are skipped). This 30~5

is made in the same manner as the foregoing except that three lower

strands are crossed instead of two by each upper strand when it is 3 ott>

worked.

3027. A "SKIP-STRAND" SINNET with alternating short and long

diagonals. In the left diagonals the upper strands are each led over

three lower strands at each move and in the right diagonals the upper

strands are each led over only one lower strand.

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