Page 139 - Barbara Merry - The Splicing Handbook

Comb, coax, and stroke the coat strands until they straighten along the axis of
the tail. The strands will become indistinct, blending with the core yarns in the
taper.

Then “marl” down the tapered tail by firmly binding it to the standing part
with a series of hitches. Start at the base of the tail, passing the twine through the
heart of the standing part and putting a stopper knot in the end of the twine.
Work away from the eye, toward the end of the taper, tying off the other end in
any convenient fashion.

Sew the two lengths of rope together between the marling and the seizing.
Pass the needle and twine through the centers of both lengths of line by turns,
pulling the twine as taut as possible as you go. Begin the stitching just below the
throat seizing; when you reach the marling, start right back the other way,
creating cross-stitches as you go. Tie off the two ends at the throat with a square
knot (see chapter 27).

To set up the splice for serving, tie it up with a good strain, taut between two

posts.
For serving, you’ll need a serving tool, which dispenses small stuff in tighter
turns than you can possibly achieve otherwise, or a serving mallet, the traditional
alternative (see the heaver illustration in chapter 1 and on page 136).

Start the serving at the throat with twine and the mallet. After burying the end