Page 365 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

2209. A rectangular Mock may be covered with any number ot

strands parallel with the edges, in regular over-one-and-under-one

sequence, provided the strands are evenly spaced to accord with the

proportions of the block. A MULTI-STRAND KNOT is more easily tied

than a single-cord one, as the length of strand to be reeved is much

shorter.

Take a block and measure its proportions. Notch the edges so that

all spaces are even or very nearly so. Except at the corners the spaces

should be half length. Lead parallel cords singly around the block

lengthwise, sufficient to fill all notches, and square knot the two ends.

Next tie a cord around the block in a sidewise direction, crossing the

first-laid cords at each side at right angles. If there is an even number

of notches in the length of the block the first and the last tuck on the

side will have contrary over-and-under. But if the number of notches

is odd the first and the last tuck will be the strme. An adjacent parallel

strand will be tucked with opposite lay until all strands of the set are

in place. Then lay the strands of the third and final set so that the lay

for the whole block is alternately over and under. Proceed to double,

triple or quadruple the lay of the knot, and scatter the ends well.

Pull them taut and cut them off close.

22,'0 2210. Any block knot may be tied as a true MONKEY'S FIsT-that

is, with a single cord. This may be done either directly or else by

paralleling the knot last described, which in such a case serves merely

as a clue.

To tie the single-cord knot directly: Wind the cord around the

block, end for end, neither too tightly nor too closely. When a side

is covered turn a corner as in the third diagram and add the second

circuit (fourth diagram), turn into the third circuit as in the fourth

diagram and complete the knot. Use a packing needle with blunted

point for a tool.

KNOT 'II: 2 208 is actually a CUBE KNOT of the present series,

2 X 2 X 2 in proportion, and the original MONKEY'S FIST ('II: 2201)

may also be tied as a cube covering, I X I X I.
2'2,.11

2211. This is the "TWEENIE" (KNOT'll: 52 5) of Chapter 3, doubled.

It has some of the characteristics of the MONKEY'S FIST and, having

three arts, it will fit in between the two-part 'II: 2204 and the six-

part

2212, 2213. The smaller TURK'S-HEADS are often used for knob

coverings and are followed or doubled, sometimes as many as six

•
tlnlP"-:

2214. The CHINESE BUTTON diagram ('1/:600) makes a good cov-

ering of nine parts.

2.212. 2215. Larger TURK'S-HEADS than this have been used for spherical

coverings. Five leads and four bights appears to be about the prac-

tical limit, as the proportions soon become ungainly and the end

2.2 I 4 compartments overlarge.

The first sphedcal covering that I attempted was at the suggestion

of Eugene E. du Pont, who thought that such a knot would be

effective on the knob of an automobile gearshift lever.

Spherical covering may also be utilized over smaller knots on the

ends of manropes, bell lanyards, etc. On a small boat they make

handsome coverings for knobs on the ends of centerboard pendants,

where they save marking and wear on the top of the centerboard

box. Made of small material, they serve well as buttons on garments.

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