Page 156 - Derek E. Avery - The new encyclopedia of knots

figure 103.1

figure 103.2

Rope: the word used to describe any cordage over 10mm (0.4in)
diameter.

A rope is comprised of three strands twisted together, usually in a right-

handed spiral, although left-handed lay ropes are available. Each strand is
composed of yarns which themselves have been twisted together, but in
the opposite direction to the lay of the rope. Each yarn is composed of
fibres, these being twisted together in the opposite direction to the lay of
the yarns in the strand – that is, in the same direction as the lay of the
rope. The effect of the alternating of the lay ensures that the rope binds
tightly within itself and that it is less apt to become undone; see also