The Turks Head
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Turks Heads Featured

  • Single Strand Flat Sinnett Turks Head. (Also a running Turks Head find out more below).
  • Herringbone Weave - Over Two, Under Two
  • Herringbone Weave - Over Three, Under Three
  • Square Running Eight Bight by Sixteen Lead Turks Head (WideThree Ply)
  • Square Running Three bight by Four Lead Turks Head (Three Ply)
  • Square Running Four Bight by Three Lead Turks Head (Three Ply)
  • Square Running Six Bight by Two Lead Turks Head (Two Ply)
  • Square Running Four Bight by Four lead Turks Head (Three Ply)

The turks head knot is a vast subject in its own right. There are many variations of this complex knot. It is the most common knot used as a covering. Turks heads can be made from a single strand in which case they would be a running or common Turks Head or multiple strands of rope and cord. Knots formed from multiple strands can be either Standing Turks Heads or Coach Whipping, this would depend on the method used to weave the knot. The choice of knot would also depend upon the use the knot is going serve. The knot can be used as a decorative covering to stop wear and tear or it can be made into items which have practical uses. Some of the items that can be made from this very useful knot are buttons, coasters, mats, dog leads and landyards. As a covering it can be used to cover almost any object from bottles to lampstands, boxes to telescopes, handles to tillers, tools to walking sticks. Its use and the type of knot chosen would depend entirely upon the purpose of the object you are covering. This could be just a practical need to protect the object from damage or simply to turn an otherwise bland object into an item of beauty. For example, if a tool handle is too small in your hand for practical use, placing a turks head around the handle of the tool will certainly make it more comfortable to hold when in use. As well as making the handle larger and easier to grip, it will be more pleasing to the eye because it will have a beautiful decorative cover.
Turks heads come in several types.Some turks heads are also classed as chain or sinnet. This would depend upon the method of construction and how the elements of the knot link to one another. Turks heads come in a variety of sizes and can be narrow or wide. When covering a large object the knot would be multipied up to form the final knot. Larger knots are easier to form when using multiple strands.

The first example shown below is a single strand flat sinnet turks head.

This knot has only been woven once. However, it would only be a matter of following the original path to turn the knot into a wider knot. This will have the effect of increasing the width of the knot to make a wider covering. This example is a single strand knot. Click on the images to see larger pictures.

Flat Sinnet Turks Head Prepring to tie this knot is best done on a flat surface that is clear of any obstructions. You would also need to ensure that there is nothing that will catch the rope or cord you are working with. Snags in the rope will make the final knot look untidy.
Weaving the knot has the effect of linking two chains together into one. Once you have woven enough links you will finish the knot off by linking the two ends together and closing the circle. The knot is then ready to be placed over the item that is going to be its final home.

Placed over final home The knot is placed ready to be worked tight. During this stage it is best to start at the short end of the cord and work the knot back towards the standing part, gradually making it smaller so that the fit is snug. You will then go around the knot a second time pulling the knot into shape and ensuring that every link is the same size. The final stage will be to work the knot tight. You may need to go around the knot several times, pulling it tighter each time. The finished knot should be tight enough so that it will not move from its final location when handled.

The finished knot looks both handsome and adds a little extra to an otherwise ordinary object that is in daily use.

Finished result

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