How to splice a sinnet to itself to make a wreath?

June 16, 2022 7:57 AM

How do I splice a four- or five-strand sinnet into a ring, to make a decorative wreath? I would like to make a braided-rope wreath like this item.

I know how to do simple flat splices in Dyneema and other cords large and small, and how to make four-, five-, and six-strand sinnets and Turk's Heads. Reusing big ropes is fun! I have made whoopie slings, dogbones (with McDonald Brummel splices so both ends are locked!), soft shackles, and other items.

But how do I splice the ends of a big sinnet together?

Most directions I can find are for rope grommets, which are spliced by tucking the three free strands into the strands at the other end -- but a sinnet has a "butt" end where it starts, and I fear that weaving so many free strands into it will make a bulge.

posted by wenestvedt to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (6 answers total)

Do you already have this: The Clifford Ashley Book of Knots

And maybe even more importantly, this: The Marlinespike Sailor ?
posted by Miko at 12:24 PM on June 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Miko, yes I do! I was also thinking of two Des Pawson books that are somewhere near my workbench....

But could these be a single strand that's basically spool-knit?
posted by wenestvedt at 12:52 PM on June 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

I’m a knitter, and I think you’re right about the spool knitting (actually spool purling). I have no advice on how to execute it tightly enough to get the effect you want, though. Practicing with more slippery rope seems like a good idea.
posted by momus_window at 4:49 PM on June 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

I'm also wondering if this wreath was knitted rather than braided or knotted. Can you get a look at the back side of one? If the ring can be pried open on the back, that might indicate knitting. (In other words, there's a seam that runs around the ring, rather than a cross-section where two ends were butted and joined.)

I wonder if it was made by casting on a ring of stitches, knitting a few rows in stockinette stitch, then binding off. The knitting will curl up and expose the bumpy purl side. The cast-on and bind-off rows are not connected to each other and can be pried apart, but will be hidden against the wall when you hang the wreath. It would undoubtedly be very hard on the knitter's hands, though!
posted by Quietgal at 11:09 AM on June 19, 2022

Response by poster: Upon reflection, I think this is just tied out of Crown Knots, like a rope fender for a boat -- probably with some kind of foam core.

This web page, showing a wreath and a candy cane made from rags, seems to bear out this theory: https://www.sewhistorically.com/2-diy-christmas-dog-toys-christmas-wreath-candy-cane-dog-toy/

Not sure what rope is thrick enough to look good but also flexible enough to be shoved into these tight turns. I am going to look for a cheap foam wreath and try it to be sure.

Thanks, all!
posted by wenestvedt at 12:27 PM on July 16, 2022

Response by poster: Also this, which seems relevant: http://curchinknot.blogspot.com/2012/12/rope-wreath.html
posted by wenestvedt at 12:47 PM on July 16, 2022