The Master of Knot-Making Shows You His Favorite, Most Useful Knots
Photo: www.despawson.com
It sounds like something you’d stumble upon if you went the wrong way at Hogwarts: oversized tools, giant knots, and rope as far as the eye can see. But for knot expert Des Pawson, it’s just normal everyday life.
“Rope and knots are my life and have been since I was a boy,” says Pawson. I make things in rope, I write about knots, I teach, talk, and research knots and ropework…Rope inspires me.”
Pawson is not only an expert, but in 2007 was awarded an M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth for his services to the rope industry.
His museum is located in Ipswich, on the eastern coast in one of England’s oldest towns. Formally called the Museum of Knots and Sailor’s Ropework, Pawson houses an Aladdin’s cave of all types of ropes (practical and decorative) together with rope making equipment. A virtual artist of rope, Des not only knows the technical but the artistic side of ropes, too, as he and his wife Liz create handmade knotted items which they sell.
Of course, we all use knots in our everyday lives, but how many times have you actually thought about the specific knot you’re tying? Who even thinks of tying a shoelace in a knot as you do it; it’s simply a habit we’ve learned and take for granted. And what about those knots used to make that fancy braided loaf you saw at the bakery this morning, or when you helped her daughter French braid her hair?
As our previous Yahoo Maker’s article listed “5 Knots Everyone Should Know,” we asked Des Pawson for his advice on the subject. What are the most useful knots that would be handy in a variety of situations (and easy enough for anyone to master)? What does Pawson recommend for the average Joe?
Basic Figure of 8
(Photo: http://www.fix.com)
“With the “Figure of 8” you can get lots of potential from knowing one basic knot structure.” Pawson continued, “it can be tied as a stopper, a loop knot, or a bend. It’s a very versatile piece of maneuvering.”
To tie a basic Figure of 8:
1. Pass the free end of a line over itself to form a loop.
2. Continue under and around the line’s end.
3. Pass the free end down through the loop.
Figure of Eight Loop
(Photo: https://rdl.train.army.mil)
Although a Bowline is a useful knot that most people have probably heard of and think to as a “go to” useful knot, Des Pawson suggests the Figure of 8 Loop. This is a variation on the standard Figure of 8 from above.
To tie the Figure of 8 Loop:
1. Form a bight (the curved section or slack part between the two ends of a rope) on the rope about as large as the diameter of the desired loop.
2. With the bight as the working end, form a loop in rope (standing part).
3. Wrap the working end around the standing part 360-degrees and feed the working end through the loop. Dress the knot tightly.
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Taunt Line Hitch (also known as the Midshipman’s Knot)
(Photo: http://en.wikipedia.org)
We also found the Taut Line Hitch (also known as the Midshipman’s Knot) to be extremely useful when camping. It is the adjustable knot that you’re looking for when tying the guy line of a tent to a peg or post. It’s easy to slide up or down and loosen.
To tie the Taunt Line Hitch:
1. Pass the working end around the anchor object. Bring it back alongside of the standing part and make a half-hitch around the standing part.
2. Continue by passing the working end over the working part, around the standing part again and back through the loop formed in the first step. Make sure this second wrap tucks in between the first wrap and the working part of the line on the inside of the loop. This detail gives this version its additional security.
3. Complete with a half-hitch outside the loop, made in the same direction as the first two wraps, as for a clove hitch.
4. Dress by snugging the hitch firmly around the standing part. Load slowly and adjust as necessary.
For a video tutorial on this knot, check out the link here.
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Chain Sinnet (Also known as the Daisy Chain)
(Photo: http://outdoors.stackexchange.com)
One of the best ways to store your ropes or cables like a pro? Try the Chain Sinnet (also known as the Daisy Chain) knot. (Top tip: Don’t use this on any fragile cords or cables that could be damaged easily.)
To tie the Chain Sinnet:
1. Make a noose at the end of the rope.
2. Form a loop and tuck it into the noose.
3. Make a second loop and tuck it into the previous loop, then a third, then a fourth, and keep repeating.
4. When the chain is long enough, lock it by passing the end through the final loop.
Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
(Photo: spinnaker-sailing.com)
We asked Pawson for advice for one of the most common knots around the house. What exactly is the best knot to use when tying up that washing line in your back yard? His answer: “try the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches. The round turn takes a lot of the stress off the line.”
Although the name of the knot is a mouthful, it refers to the components used to form the knot. The round turn wraps the rope around the object to completely encircling it. And the two half hitches? They secure the end around the standing part.
To tie the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches:
1. Place rope over pole and take working end over again (it is now a round turn).
2. Make one half hitch by passing the working enough round the static end and through to form a loop.
3. Make another half hitch around the static end.
4. The knot is now complete and the two halves should form a clove hitch.
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And if you’re as fascinated by knots as we are, Mr. Pawson suggests checking out the Ashley Book of Knots. While it might be a bit comprehensive for some, it will certainly answer any question you have about any knot. For those with a little knot knowledge who want to get a bit creative, check out Des Pawson’s Knot Craft with step-by-step breakdowns and illustrations for simple crafts like bellropes, key fobs, mats, doorstops, lanyards, and belts.
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