Page 576 - The Ashley Book of Knots

DECORA TIVE MARLINGSPIKE SEAMANSHIP (APPLIED KNOTS)

3587. A swab or tassel similar to ~ 3584 may be made around a

single rope by tying a FIGURE-EIGHT KNOT in the lanyard. After

seizing the yarns above and below the knot, mouse over the knob

with yarn and encircle it with a WIDE TURK'S-HEAD.

3588. Needlework covering ~ 35 44 or ~ 3547 may be used on

either swab ~3584 or ~3585. A small sail needle is required for this

purpose.

3589. Tie two WALL KNOTS and a full MATTHEW WALKER KNOT

near the end of a lanyard, put seizings over the swab between the
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knots and put NARROW TURK'S-HEADS over the seizings. Almost any

of the swabs that have been shown may be employed for tassels,

although some of the tassels that follow will hardly do for swabs.

3590. A tassel that is based on SHROUD KNOT ~ I 590. Make this of

three-strand rope. Manila is best, flax will do and cotton is apt to be

a bit difficult. Tie the SHROUD KNOT as directed, then cut off the rope

and ravel the inside rope as well as the outside one.

3591. A Chinese tassel. Whittle off the rims from a large linen

thread spool. Countersink the bottom end to allow it to hold a knot.

With an awl make six small holes from the outside into the center

hole near the top end. With a needle reeve silk thread through all

six holes and allow all ends to hang several inches below the spool.

Seize temporarily with a CONSTRICTOR. Reeve a lanyard down

through the center hole and knot with a FIGURE-EIGHT. Smooth out

the silk threads and serve over the whole length of the spool with

silk in two or more colors, and trim the tassel ends all square. NIakc

with different-colored worsted if preferred, or with colored string.

Secure the ends of the service as described for whipping ~ 3443.

3592. This tassel is from a Chinese priest cord that is photographi-

cally reproduced among the frontispieces. The mold is turned on I I

a lathe and the tassel is covered with netting, but ribbing ~ 3 547 3SQ I

will do nicel . A larger hole is countersunk at the bottom, the . .'

cord is rove t rough it and knotted. Silk, worsted, or cotton threads I I

are middled and knotted into the groove with a CONSTRICTOR KNOT I I

and then the ends arc trimmed. • • Il

3593. A simple tassel for a fringe, window-shade or electric-light

pull. Take a piece of cardboard of twice the length of the tassel and

fold it lengthwise. Cut two crosswise slits near the top as shown in
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the illustration, and punch small holes at the ends of the slits. Lay a

lanyard across the top. Wind yarn, thread or cord lengthwlse on

the cardboard. Tie two CONSTRICTOR KNOTS around the strncnue and

through the slits. Secure the lanyard and draw the knots tight. Cut all

strands at th;.; bottom and remove the card.