Page 114 - Jim Whippy - Reeds Knot Handbook

Traditionally used for rigging a temporary jury mast on a
boat or ship when the original mast was damaged or lost,
the knot was placed at the top of the new mast, which
projected from the middle of the knot. The loops were
used as anchor points for makeshift stays. As the knot
didn’t actually grab the mast, it was necessary to hold it in
place, and for that reason it is little used today except as other useFul Knots
decoration or to rig a mast on a yacht’s tender.
This knot is also referred to as the pitcher knot, as it
was once used to make handles for earthenware pitchers
and bottles. If used for this purpose, the centre of the knot
acts as the base while the loops are usually whipped close
to the top of the pitcher to form the handles. Used for this
purpose, the knot can withstand quite heavy loads.

3
Then cross the two
middle bights left over
right and right over left,
and weave them over and
under, out to the sides.
4
Pull out the side loops
until they are the required
size.

5
Pull the centre loop
upwards until it is the
required size. Finally,
tighten the knot.

113

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