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Thread: Nautical Pastimes

  1. #1
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    Default Nautical Pastimes

    The Three Lead by Five Bight Turk’s Head Knot

    These days, some folks are turning to the astronauts for a perspective on living in a small area for a long period of time. However, we can also look to sailors of the past centuries to find ways of keeping our hands and minds busy. With access to very little in the way of resources, they still came up with ways to make beautiful and useful things.

    Here’s a little trick from the forecastle to occupy your time and provide some nautical flair around the house. We’ve put them on wine bottles, the broom handle, and of course, our boats.

    Items needed:
    3-5 feet of heavy twine or small rope – 1/8” is a good size, though 3/16” would certainly work (the bigger the rope the longer the length needed)
    15-30 minutes of your time (shortens with practice)

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    1) Wrap the string as shown.

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    2) Tuck the center strand under the left strand.

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    3) Stick the end of the right-hand strand (the working strand) down through the formed loop.

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    4) Take the working strand over the left strand and under the center strand (now the one furthest to the right).

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    5) Pay close attention to this and look closely at the picture! This is the easiest place to make a mistake. Tuck the center strand under the left strand just past the working strand.

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    6) Stick the end of the right-hand strand (the working strand) down through the formed loop.

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    7) At this point the hard work is done. You can choose to slip it off your hand temporarily or keep it there to avoid strands getting crossed. If you take your hand out, you are going to have to put it back soon.

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    8) Now it is just a case of taking the other end (the long end or bitter end) and paralleling everything you have done, only in reverse. Make sure that you stay on the same side all of the way around. In this picture I have paralleled the first stitch.

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    9) Here I have done the next two stitches. Notice that I have put my hand back in to avoid getting confused.

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    10) This is what it looks like after the first trip completely around with the bitter end. It is traditional to do at least three trips.

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    11) Here’s after the third trip.

    Have Fun!

    If you decide to give it a try, post your results, and I shall share further knots.

  2. #2

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    Very nice. Much better than reading it in Ashley's! I am always telling myself I need to sit down and practice my knots! Now where did my extra line go.

  3. #3
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    Takes me back many years to the early 1960s Dobbs.
    We used to make woggles for our Scout neckerchiefs like that out of leather thonging.

    Rob.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

  4. #4
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    I quite fancy giving this a go. I have an old Powder horn that could do with a bit of brightening up.
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    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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    A game of Uckers, anyone?

    http://uckers.co.uk/index.htm

  6. #6
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    Or you could always take on your shipmates at a game of Crown and Anchor in the hold as long as the Boatswain was not around.



    https://www.kjartan.co.uk/games/crow...d%20anchor.htm
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

  7. #7
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    When those projects are finished you can start this one.

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    Quote Originally Posted by TexaS View Post
    When those projects are finished you can start this one.

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    Did you do that!? I'd love some pointers on doing that.

  9. #9
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    Sadly not. It's a friend who made it. He used to sell them, but now he has trouble finding bottles with that rounded bottom. The true sailors bottle.

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    Quote Originally Posted by TexaS View Post
    Sadly not. It's a friend who made it. He used to sell them, but now he has trouble finding bottles with that rounded bottom. The true sailors bottle.
    That stitching has always been something I've wanted to try, but I'm not sure if my patience is up to the task.

  11. #11
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    Impressive work. Your friend is very talented Jonas.
    Rob.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

  12. #12

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    Impressive work.

    I‘m not talented enough for any difficult knots.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Comte de Brueys View Post
    Impressive work.

    I‘m not talented enough for any difficult knots.
    Has anyone tried my knot yet?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Dobbs View Post
    Has anyone tried my knot yet?
    Dobbs,

    I just found this thread, but I am keen to try. Will pick up some twine and will be a nice activity for my wife and I to do, decorate around our new abode.

    James

  15. #15
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    Don't forget to show off your handiwork once you've had a chance. If you have any questions just ask.

  16. #16
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    Mrs Bligh has just reminded me that I have a horn beaker left over from our reenactment days in the Medievals.
    Guess it's time for some scrimshaw practive before I go and ruin my powder horn.

    Rob.
    The Business of the commander-in-chief is first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.

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