Page 148 - Eric C. Fry - Knots and Ropework

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To Form a

Spindle Eye

A 'former', slightly larger in diameter than the required 'eye' is necessary. along
which a number of ties (short lengths of cord) are laid and temporarily secured
at both ends. The rope is prepared by applying a whipping, un laying all strands.
halving them and offering the whole up to the 'former', all as in Fig 1.
Each pair of strands is half-hitched over the 'former', care being taken to spread
the hitches around the circumference to avoid bunching, Figs 2 and 3. The
ends are returned to the standing part where they are tightly whipped, when the
ties are released and knotted around the hitched strands, Fig 4.
The ends are tapered and tightly bound and the 'former' removed, Figs 5 and 6,
when both 'eye' and taper are served, Fig 7. The finish is a matter of choice,
Fig. 8, showing the 'eye' covered with singh,! strand Cockscombing with a
Turk's head top and bottom of the taper.