The following Knot Works were produced in 2011. Marlinspike Seamanship, Macramé, Decorative knotting, what do all these have in common? It is simply KNOTS.
Macramé, as we know it, dates back to the 13th century. The Spanish word itself comes from the Arabic word migramah meaning decorative fringe. The art itself was brought to Spain by the Moors during their conquest in 711 AD. It was later passed into Europe and became the art of the sailor.
Sailors spent many hours at sea with nothing to do and Macramé became their pastime. Rope was readily available and so was the time. The art form was simple as it used square knots and half hitches a technique that could easily be done aboard ship. Sailors quickly turned this art form into something called Marlinspike Seamanship. This new form was passed on as sailors made their travels.
They quickly learned that Marlinspike Seamanship could be used not only for fanciful covering but it had a purpose as well. The covering of knife handles to prevent slipping. The covering of bottles to prevent them from breaking. The making of bell ropes, ship rail covering, mats, rugs, beckets for chests etc. Whatever the sailor’s mind could conger up it was more than likely capable of being knotted.
During the American Civil war period, sailors were no different. While on Blockading Duty, there was much idle time so the sailors would turn to their art. Today the Navy still upholds the tradition of knotting and true Marlinspike Seamanship. You will find many fanciful decorative knotting aboard any ship of any country. Those versed in the art are true sailors. The tradition lives on through many living history units and the International Guild of Knot Tyers.
On this page you will find some of my Marlinspike Seamanship….. Enjoy, it will be updated after every creation.
Knotted Wooden Cane Covering
The Wooden Cane was covered using traditional Grafting, Square knots, Turks Heads and French Spiral style knotting. More detailed pictures below show the intricate Grafting mid way down the shaft of the cane, the Square Knot pattern applied on either side of the Grafting and the French Spiral style knotting used on the Top and Bottom of the cane. This project took 560 feet of Small Cotton Line, 185 feet of white and blue hemp line and 48 hours of work.
(Made 3/18/2012)
26 Inch Bell Rope
This Bell Rope was donated to the Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum in Port Columbus Georgia. It is on the Ship's Bell of the USS Water Witch a full size replica. This rope was created with 136 feet of cotton line and accomplished in 14.5 hours. (MADE 3/17/2011)
7 1/2 Inch Cotton Lined Bamboo Needle Case
Knotted Clay Pottery
The Knotted Clay Pot shows the decorative knotting work produced by sailors. This bottle is covered with 186 feet of Small Cotton line and took 10.5 hours to make.
(MADE 11/13/2011)
16 Inch Decorative Monkey's Fist
The Monkey's Fist was used as an added weight at the end of a Heaving Line to help the line go further. This Monkey's Fist has 6 turns at the head and is at the end of a 13 inch lanyard. The lanyard is fancied with two Turks Head knots and a French Spiral style knotting. It is made out of 45 feet of 3/4" manila line and took 3.5 hours to make.
(MADE 4/21/2012)
French Sennit Roped Handle
The French Sennit Handle cover along with the two Turk's Head knots were made as an ornate element to this sailor's tool box. The box shows typical tongue and groove design and was manufactured by Master Carpenter Anthony Martell. This knotting project took 2 hours and used 128 feet of Cotton Line.
(Made 3/12/2012)
Soloman Knot Bracelets
The Soloman Knot Bracelet was covered using traditional Soloman or Cobra knot. Bracelets were used by sailors during the age of sail as a form of safety to provide a solid grip area in the event a shipmate were to fall overboard or from the sails. This project took 20 minutes and used 45 feet of Small Cotton Line.