| Tutorials and Instructions in Knotting |
PHOTO TUTORIALS
THE RUSSIAN SENNIT by Patrick Spierling (Kingsfoil) (Knotheads Worldwide) and US NAVY (April 2018)
A BELLROPE TUTORIAL.... by Vince Brennan (Dec 2006)
17-STRAND "FRENCH" SENNIT..... by Jack Cross (Nov 2006))
A ROUND-BRAIDED LANYARD... by the late Bud Brewer (Sept 2006)
EXTENDED DIAMOND KNOT.... by the late Bud Brewer (Sept 2006)
THE "OVER-TWO" FENDER HITCH.... by Vince Brennan (Dec 2006 )
SIMPLE COVER GRAFTING..... by Vince Brennan (Dec 2006)
MATTHEW WALKER'S KNOT....by Ed Hatherly Sept 2006)
TOP-BRAIDED COXCOMBING.... by the late Bud Brewer (Sept 2006)
17-STRAND DOUBLE-BRAID SENNIT LANYARD.... by the late Bud Brewer (Oct 2006)
REDUCING THE 17 STRAND DOUBLE BRAID TO 13 STRANDS.... by Don Wright (Nov 2007)
9-STRAND DOUBLE-BRAID LANYARD.... by the late Bud Brewer (Oct 2006)
RAT-TAILING IN POLYESTER LINE... by Todd Bradshaw (Dec 2006)
RINGBOLT HITCHING (or, Spanish Hitching)..... by Vince Brennan (Dec 2006)
OVER-TWO COVERING FOR AN AWL OR SPIKE SHAFT.... by Vince Brennan (Jun 2007)
A 12-POINT STAR KNOT BROOCH OR PIN... by Don Wright (Dec 2007)
A "CROCODILE-BACK" SENNIT... by Don Wright (Dec 2007)
A TURKS-HEAD CROSS ... by Chris Benco (Jul 2008)
THE "LITTLE LUMP-KNOT" ... by Don Wright (Jul 2008)
MAKING A STAR-KNOT PLUG FOR A NEEDLECASE ... by Vince Brennan (Sept. 2008)
MAKING A SEA CHEST BECKET (inspiration and pictures by Karl Bareuther)..... (Oct. 2008)
THE CHESAPEAKE WATERMAN'S BRACELET...... By Vince Brennan (Nov. 2008)
THE HOUNDS-TOOTH TURKS-HEAD.... by Eddie Climo (from his forthcoming book!) (Jan. 2009)
(This is a PDF file: you may need to download a PDF reader.)
COXCOMBING.... by Vince Brennan (Sept. 2009) Several types of coxcombs for rails and stanchions.
THE SIX-STRAND MATTHEW WALKER KNOT ... by Charles T. Wilson (Sept 2010)
MAKE A KNOT-WORKING TABLE (in three easy steps and four-part harmony).... by Vince Brennan (REV Dec 2011.
MAKING A BOW-PUDDING (BEARDED) FENDER FOR A TUGBOAT... BY CAP'T BEN GRUDINSKAS (JUNE 2011)
MAKING A BOW FENDER smallboat style......By Scott B Williams (August 2011)
The STARKNOT free of any stem... by Vince Brennan (Oct 2015)
The STEAMGASKET or SQUARE BRAID Sennit... By Vince Brennan (Nov 2015)
AN APOLOGY:
I HAVE NOT YET HAD A CHANCE TO DO THE "ENDING OFF LANYARDS AND SENNITS" PAGES I HAD PROMISED IN MY
BOOKLET.
I WILL GET TO IT A S A P!
TUTORIALS ON OTHER SITES:
Charles Hamel (a.k.a. "Nautile") of France has some most interesting items on HIS SITE... One of which is making a
MOEBIUS STRIP in line. Take some time and poke around there... it's LOTS of fun!
........................................
There's a "new kid" in town whose YouTube tutorials are just outstanding... J.D. Lenzen is his name and if you go
to Youtube and look for "tyingitalltogether", you'll find a couple dozen of his video tutorials. (I'm not quite up to
doing those yet...). He also has a "subscription" on Youtube so that you get notified of new uploads as they
happen, and the little buggar has published a book on knottying with Barry Mault.
------------------------------
THE RUSSIAN SENNIT by Patrick Spierling (Kingsfoil) (Knotheads Worldwide) and US NAVY (April 2018)
A BELLROPE TUTORIAL.... by Vince Brennan (Dec 2006)
17-STRAND "FRENCH" SENNIT..... by Jack Cross (Nov 2006))
A ROUND-BRAIDED LANYARD... by the late Bud Brewer (Sept 2006)
EXTENDED DIAMOND KNOT.... by the late Bud Brewer (Sept 2006)
THE "OVER-TWO" FENDER HITCH.... by Vince Brennan (Dec 2006 )
SIMPLE COVER GRAFTING..... by Vince Brennan (Dec 2006)
MATTHEW WALKER'S KNOT....by Ed Hatherly Sept 2006)
TOP-BRAIDED COXCOMBING.... by the late Bud Brewer (Sept 2006)
17-STRAND DOUBLE-BRAID SENNIT LANYARD.... by the late Bud Brewer (Oct 2006)
REDUCING THE 17 STRAND DOUBLE BRAID TO 13 STRANDS.... by Don Wright (Nov 2007)
9-STRAND DOUBLE-BRAID LANYARD.... by the late Bud Brewer (Oct 2006)
RAT-TAILING IN POLYESTER LINE... by Todd Bradshaw (Dec 2006)
RINGBOLT HITCHING (or, Spanish Hitching)..... by Vince Brennan (Dec 2006)
OVER-TWO COVERING FOR AN AWL OR SPIKE SHAFT.... by Vince Brennan (Jun 2007)
A 12-POINT STAR KNOT BROOCH OR PIN... by Don Wright (Dec 2007)
A "CROCODILE-BACK" SENNIT... by Don Wright (Dec 2007)
A TURKS-HEAD CROSS ... by Chris Benco (Jul 2008)
THE "LITTLE LUMP-KNOT" ... by Don Wright (Jul 2008)
MAKING A STAR-KNOT PLUG FOR A NEEDLECASE ... by Vince Brennan (Sept. 2008)
MAKING A SEA CHEST BECKET (inspiration and pictures by Karl Bareuther)..... (Oct. 2008)
THE CHESAPEAKE WATERMAN'S BRACELET...... By Vince Brennan (Nov. 2008)
THE HOUNDS-TOOTH TURKS-HEAD.... by Eddie Climo (from his forthcoming book!) (Jan. 2009)
(This is a PDF file: you may need to download a PDF reader.)
COXCOMBING.... by Vince Brennan (Sept. 2009) Several types of coxcombs for rails and stanchions.
THE SIX-STRAND MATTHEW WALKER KNOT ... by Charles T. Wilson (Sept 2010)
MAKE A KNOT-WORKING TABLE (in three easy steps and four-part harmony).... by Vince Brennan (REV Dec 2011.
MAKING A BOW-PUDDING (BEARDED) FENDER FOR A TUGBOAT... BY CAP'T BEN GRUDINSKAS (JUNE 2011)
MAKING A BOW FENDER smallboat style......By Scott B Williams (August 2011)
The STARKNOT free of any stem... by Vince Brennan (Oct 2015)
The STEAMGASKET or SQUARE BRAID Sennit... By Vince Brennan (Nov 2015)
AN APOLOGY:
I HAVE NOT YET HAD A CHANCE TO DO THE "ENDING OFF LANYARDS AND SENNITS" PAGES I HAD PROMISED IN MY
BOOKLET.
I WILL GET TO IT A S A P!
TUTORIALS ON OTHER SITES:
Charles Hamel (a.k.a. "Nautile") of France has some most interesting items on HIS SITE... One of which is making a
MOEBIUS STRIP in line. Take some time and poke around there... it's LOTS of fun!
........................................
There's a "new kid" in town whose YouTube tutorials are just outstanding... J.D. Lenzen is his name and if you go
to Youtube and look for "tyingitalltogether", you'll find a couple dozen of his video tutorials. (I'm not quite up to
doing those yet...). He also has a "subscription" on Youtube so that you get notified of new uploads as they
happen, and the little buggar has published a book on knottying with Barry Mault.
------------------------------
When I first started re-discovering my knotting skills a few years ago, I was appalled at just how little information was available on-line on the
subject and how difficult it was to find any suppliers of quality line with which to create these things. Over a few months, I explored everything
and every avenue I could think of and finally decided that I should start a page on "Nautical Antiques", to assuage not only my curiosity, but that
of any like-minded persons: that grew into the LIBRARY section, which then spawned a tutorial expressly made for KHWW (see below) on the
Square Knot Belt, which has now spawned this page: I hope to put many, many more tutorials up here so that the arts may be preserved and
passed along. NONE of these tutorials is overwhelmingly difficult to do and all will produce items you'll be proud to have/wear/share with
others. I wish you all the best in making them, and you ALWAYS can send an email to me if you run into trouble or get confused. Use any of
the "CONTACT ME" links for this purpose.
BASIC knot-tying is well-covered on the web and a simple search in GOOGLE or clicking the "Other Tutorials" link below will produce a
sufficient number of sites to keep the novice knotter busy for a while learning them... there are also sites which go into some detail on the more
creative aspects of knotting, but the following links and tutorials are rather more specialized.
I would appreciate it if you would let me know should you find any difficulty following the instructions or concepts contained on this page, and if
you have any suggestions for streamlining or making the tutorials easier to use.
If you make something from these tutorials, please take a picture or six of your work and send it to me and I will post it here to show others that
"it CAN be done!" PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFOREHAND!
Thanks very much to all the knotters who took the time to create and contribute their tutorials! If you might be willing to make one up,
please contact me!
Contributing Experts and Tutoriak makers
André van der Salm of the Netherlands has a new site to replace the one destroyed by his old ISP!
Karl Bareuther of Germany is a past-master of knotting and his chest beckets and canvas work are the "sine qua non" of the art.
Todd Bradshaw is the owner of "Addiction Sailmakers" in Madison, WI., an author and delightful illustrator and a "maven" in the art of Canoe
Sailing.
C. (Bud) Brewer was a former Navy man and lived in Colorado. . Bud passed from us in March of 2009 and he will be greatly missed, even
by his friends.
Jack Cross is a retired US Navy Boatswain's Mate who lives in Sunny Texas, makes Purple Martin houses and generally creates as much
mayhem as possible.
Ed Hatherly ("The Knotty Man Of Canada") is a motorcycle enthusiast as well as an accomplished knot-tyer and photographer.
Don Wright of Benton City, Washington is a rope and leather knotter... he is a new contributor (12/2007) and a most welcome addition to the
faculty!
Chris Benco of Florida comes to us by way of the Wooden Boat Forum where he, Hugh Lane and Jamie White are some of the reigning
Monarchs of fancy-work stuff. We are sorry to report that Chris, like "Old Man Moo", has suffered a totally debilitating stroke. Our thoughts and
prayers are with him. (No! I am NOT running for Congress!!)
SUPPLIES & SUPPLIERS:
While supplies are ALWAYS a problem, getting good line for doing your knotwork is NOT impossible!
A great series of cotton lines are available from MARTY COMBS of North Carolina. His website shows the many different cordages he has
available as well as the extra little things that knottyers love (real brass thimbles!) and need. Marty also has an extensive collection of books
and instructionals available and is a font of knowledge to boot!
...........................................................
For polyester* line, any sort of rope and many of the tools necessary to knottying, you cannot do better than contacting ROD of R & W Rope in
New Bedford, Ma. They carry an assortment of polyester double braided line (I use it exclusively for Boatswain's Lanyards and for most knife
pouches) in many colours and sizes and at a very reasonable price. Bob is the master of Traditional Rigging for R&W and his knowledge in
the field is extensive and accessible. Paul is VERY savvy about fancywork lines and a call or email to either will produce exactly what you
want... guaranteed.
...........................................................
(rev Apr '09): Trevor Tutt of Texas came closest to reproducing what P.C. Herwig sold as "Dreadnaught Cord", but unfortunately has been
forced to "cease production" due to the hard financial times. Until (and unless) he starts up again, we are without a source for very small,
hard-laid cotton cord for doing fine and intricate detail knotwork. This is a real blow and I wish Trevor well in the future. I shall miss working
with his fine product.
If anyone DOES have an alternate source for such line, please contact me!
...........................................................
CA Glue is something you can get at your local Home Despot or other stores, but only in teeny tubes and at HUGE expense! Besides, you
want FRESH (best way to get it) glue, not something that's been sitting for a year in a warehouse! EXOTIC BLANKS (took over from
WoodenWonderStix) can supply glue, bottles, applicator tips, debonder and other supplies and all at a VERY reasonable cost! If you're doing
a lot of work, it only makes sense to buy the 16oz bottles. If you're just starting out and are not sure how much you may need, get a 2oz bottle
to start with. ALWAYS order the "5-CPS" (fast setting) glue and fer Pete's Sake, WORK OVER A DISPOSABLE SURFACE!
...........................................................
Lasse Carenvall is a Swede who does some wonderful knotwork and he has come up with a great little tool he calls the "Grip-fid". I've
bought a set for myself and can vouch for their usefulness AND the quality of their workmanship!
...........................................................
If YOU think your site/business should be listed here, let's talk about it!
* For a long time I have been incorrectly identifying the line I use as "nylon". It is, in fact, a double-braided polyester-covered nylon-core line
used primarily for "mini-window-blinds". It's still great stuff.
subject and how difficult it was to find any suppliers of quality line with which to create these things. Over a few months, I explored everything
and every avenue I could think of and finally decided that I should start a page on "Nautical Antiques", to assuage not only my curiosity, but that
of any like-minded persons: that grew into the LIBRARY section, which then spawned a tutorial expressly made for KHWW (see below) on the
Square Knot Belt, which has now spawned this page: I hope to put many, many more tutorials up here so that the arts may be preserved and
passed along. NONE of these tutorials is overwhelmingly difficult to do and all will produce items you'll be proud to have/wear/share with
others. I wish you all the best in making them, and you ALWAYS can send an email to me if you run into trouble or get confused. Use any of
the "CONTACT ME" links for this purpose.
BASIC knot-tying is well-covered on the web and a simple search in GOOGLE or clicking the "Other Tutorials" link below will produce a
sufficient number of sites to keep the novice knotter busy for a while learning them... there are also sites which go into some detail on the more
creative aspects of knotting, but the following links and tutorials are rather more specialized.
I would appreciate it if you would let me know should you find any difficulty following the instructions or concepts contained on this page, and if
you have any suggestions for streamlining or making the tutorials easier to use.
If you make something from these tutorials, please take a picture or six of your work and send it to me and I will post it here to show others that
"it CAN be done!" PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFOREHAND!
Thanks very much to all the knotters who took the time to create and contribute their tutorials! If you might be willing to make one up,
please contact me!
Contributing Experts and Tutoriak makers
André van der Salm of the Netherlands has a new site to replace the one destroyed by his old ISP!
Karl Bareuther of Germany is a past-master of knotting and his chest beckets and canvas work are the "sine qua non" of the art.
Todd Bradshaw is the owner of "Addiction Sailmakers" in Madison, WI., an author and delightful illustrator and a "maven" in the art of Canoe
Sailing.
C. (Bud) Brewer was a former Navy man and lived in Colorado. . Bud passed from us in March of 2009 and he will be greatly missed, even
by his friends.
Jack Cross is a retired US Navy Boatswain's Mate who lives in Sunny Texas, makes Purple Martin houses and generally creates as much
mayhem as possible.
Ed Hatherly ("The Knotty Man Of Canada") is a motorcycle enthusiast as well as an accomplished knot-tyer and photographer.
Don Wright of Benton City, Washington is a rope and leather knotter... he is a new contributor (12/2007) and a most welcome addition to the
faculty!
Chris Benco of Florida comes to us by way of the Wooden Boat Forum where he, Hugh Lane and Jamie White are some of the reigning
Monarchs of fancy-work stuff. We are sorry to report that Chris, like "Old Man Moo", has suffered a totally debilitating stroke. Our thoughts and
prayers are with him. (No! I am NOT running for Congress!!)
SUPPLIES & SUPPLIERS:
While supplies are ALWAYS a problem, getting good line for doing your knotwork is NOT impossible!
A great series of cotton lines are available from MARTY COMBS of North Carolina. His website shows the many different cordages he has
available as well as the extra little things that knottyers love (real brass thimbles!) and need. Marty also has an extensive collection of books
and instructionals available and is a font of knowledge to boot!
...........................................................
For polyester* line, any sort of rope and many of the tools necessary to knottying, you cannot do better than contacting ROD of R & W Rope in
New Bedford, Ma. They carry an assortment of polyester double braided line (I use it exclusively for Boatswain's Lanyards and for most knife
pouches) in many colours and sizes and at a very reasonable price. Bob is the master of Traditional Rigging for R&W and his knowledge in
the field is extensive and accessible. Paul is VERY savvy about fancywork lines and a call or email to either will produce exactly what you
want... guaranteed.
...........................................................
(rev Apr '09): Trevor Tutt of Texas came closest to reproducing what P.C. Herwig sold as "Dreadnaught Cord", but unfortunately has been
forced to "cease production" due to the hard financial times. Until (and unless) he starts up again, we are without a source for very small,
hard-laid cotton cord for doing fine and intricate detail knotwork. This is a real blow and I wish Trevor well in the future. I shall miss working
with his fine product.
If anyone DOES have an alternate source for such line, please contact me!
...........................................................
CA Glue is something you can get at your local Home Despot or other stores, but only in teeny tubes and at HUGE expense! Besides, you
want FRESH (best way to get it) glue, not something that's been sitting for a year in a warehouse! EXOTIC BLANKS (took over from
WoodenWonderStix) can supply glue, bottles, applicator tips, debonder and other supplies and all at a VERY reasonable cost! If you're doing
a lot of work, it only makes sense to buy the 16oz bottles. If you're just starting out and are not sure how much you may need, get a 2oz bottle
to start with. ALWAYS order the "5-CPS" (fast setting) glue and fer Pete's Sake, WORK OVER A DISPOSABLE SURFACE!
...........................................................
Lasse Carenvall is a Swede who does some wonderful knotwork and he has come up with a great little tool he calls the "Grip-fid". I've
bought a set for myself and can vouch for their usefulness AND the quality of their workmanship!
...........................................................
If YOU think your site/business should be listed here, let's talk about it!
* For a long time I have been incorrectly identifying the line I use as "nylon". It is, in fact, a double-braided polyester-covered nylon-core line
used primarily for "mini-window-blinds". It's still great stuff.
| LAST UPDATE APR 15 2017 |
| "Mackerel Skies and Mare's tails Make tall ships wear short sails!" |
| Presently looking for PHOTO tutorials on the following: Coachwhipping -- Leathering -- Sennits McNamara Lace -- Fender-Making -- ABOK 1290-Herringbone Weave General Fancywork of all sorts |