We
are showing three different methods here, but as long as you can do one
correctly that is fine – you may like to experiment with the others in the
future. The important thing for all three is that the final whipping is tight
and neat, it will then have a very long useful life.
Common or Simple
The
whipping twine is laid on the rope in the form of a loop. This loop must be
longer than the intended length of the whipping, and the end must be left long
enough to be able to pull.
Next,
the twine is wrapped round the rope, so as to make the finished whipping only
slightly larger in diameter than the rope itself. A good whipping should not be
more than about 10mm long as otherwise it will tend to open up, and eventually
come undone. As the twine is wound round the rope, each turn must lie hard
against the previous one.
When
enough of the twine has been wound round the rope, tightly to your
satisfaction, the loose end is pushed through the loop at the end of the rope.
Finally
the end of the loop is pulled, pulling the other end actually into the whipping.
When the knot has reached the center point of the whipping, both ends are cut
off, and the whipping is finished.
Sailmaker’s Whipping
1.
Open lay of the rope and place loop of twine round one strand. Re-lay rope.
2.
Hold loop down with left hand, leaving short end free. With the long end whip
towards rope end.
3.
Raise loop and slip it over end of strand it embraces. Pull short end to tighten.
Join ends of twine with reef knot.
4.
Trim end of rope with sharp knife and rub with wax if desired.
West Country Whipping
This
is probably the simplest form of whipping.
First
tie a thumb knot a few cm from the end of the rope. Then tie thumb knot at
back. Continue to within 5mm of the end. Finish off with a reef knot. Trim end
with sharp knife.
