Sailmaker's Whipping
Description
Sailmaker's whipping is a method of preventing the end of a rope from fraying by binding it with a small-diameter twine. The twine is woven between the strands of the rope and then wrapped tightly around the end. It is the most secure way to finish a laid rope end.
Common Uses
Used on natural fiber and synthetic laid ropes to permanently seal the end against unraveling, particularly in sailing, rigging, and traditional ropework.
How to Tie
- 1Unlay the rope strands slightly and insert the twine between them.
- 2Re-lay the strands and wrap the twine tightly around the rope for 10-15 turns.
- 3Pass the twine between the strands in a figure-eight pattern.
- 4Pull the twine tight and trim the excess.
- 5Cut the rope end close to the whipping.