Page 376 - Geoffrey Budworth, Jason Dalton "The Little Book of Incredibly Useful Knots"

Eye splice

This time-honored technique makes a fixed eye of any predetermined size in a three-strand

(hawser-laid) rope. Splices are generally stronger than knots in cordage of vegetable-fiber origin
(hemp, coir, sisal, etc.) and are preferred for that reason; but in the phenomenally strong
synthetic ropes (polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, and others) this may no longer be a

critical factor.

Temporarily tie or tape the end of each strand to prevent fraying, then unlay them a short distance,
taping the rope at that point to stop further unraveling (1). Keeping the three working ends in
order, tuck the middle one beneath a convenient strand in the rope (2). Take the end nearest the
rope, pass it over the strand just used, and tuck it beneath the next strand (3). The next step is
crucial: lead the end so far unused around to the back of the rope and bend it around to tuck—in

the same direction as the previous couple of ends—beneath the only strand unoccupied at that
point in the rope (4). Pull this initial trio of tucks snug up against the body of the rope. Continue,
tucking all three strands over one, under one, a second time; and tighten by pulling each in turn

down (away from the eye), then up (toward the eye). Repeat the process once or twice more (5). It
is then usual to roll the splice underfoot before whipping or taping the cut ends to the body of the
rope (6).