Nautical Pastimes

[Dobbs]

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)



1) Wrap the string as shown.



2) Tuck the center strand under the left strand.



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



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.





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.