turks head tutorials and DIY materials

Classic three part rope bracelet - There are any number of tutorials showing how to do this most basic design. Here are a few that I like:

Jan Brett's Sailor Bracelet site is a nice simple single page illustration of how to make a classic three part rope bracelet. 

Alan Folsom's page is another great source for instructions on tying turks heads. How to Tie a Turkshead will get you started. (click on the link then select from the list on the left side of the page)

This Panda Hall site is one of many that show the process using a satin cord to make a low profile three part bracelet:
How to Tie a Sailor Knot Friendship Bracelet with Only One Rope

If you need materials this kit will provide a 10 ft piece of cotton cord and my one-page published instruction sheet:
DIY rope bracelet kit

A slightly more complex four part turks head knot is shown in this illustrated tutorial:
11x4x3 turks head knot tutorial

For those of you advanced knotters this 13 part tutorial will challenge your hand-eye coordination:
building a 13 part turks head bracelet


If you are looking for a more unusual design try this herringbone weave tutorial:
Making a herringbone pattern bracelet



These bigger projects require more cord that the basic kits so you may want to order in bulk. This listing offers a choice of colors in longer lengths suitable for the 13 part and herringbone projects or as a way to economize for a knotting party.

bulk cotton cord

design and photographs © copyright 2014 WhatKnotShop

How to make turks head knots - some interesting sites

First off the Wikipedia definition for those of you new to the hobby.

There are a number of excellent online tutorials available that show how to tie turks head knots.
Here are a few of my favorites:

The Golden Knots site "Hand-crafted Knot Jewelry: Decorative Marlingspike Seamanship rendered in precious metal" There are some good illustrated "how-to" instructions in cotton cord as well.
 5 lead x 4 bight     click here
 7 lead x 8 bight     click here
both illustrated with still photos by Loren Damewood

Jan Brett's Sailor Bracelet site is a nice simple single page illustration of how to make a classic three part rope bracelet. This would be a great project for kids on a rainy afternoon.

Alan Folsom's knotting page is another great source for instructions on tying turks heads. How to Tie a Turkshead will get you started.

Animated Knots by Grog has a great animated sequence showing how to tie the basic three part turks head also know as a "woggle" by the boy Scouts.

Stormdrane's Blog has a video that will get you started on a bigger project.

One of the many video tutorials showing how to tie a simpler 5 x 4 knot

Disclaimer: Now this short listing is not complete. I'm sure there are a number of other sites with instructions and illustrations not to mention the large number of crafters and old salts who make and sell a wide variety of things nautical. Please feel free to leave messages with additional references or comments.

Part 8: Completing the double

Most of the slack is worked through. There remain some strands to double up.

ready to try this?
bulk cord in white and hand dyed colors available here

Pop the knot off the mold and use the fid to complete the doubling. This makes it easier to flex the knot fabric and thread the cord.

Here the knot is completely doubled but is a bit messy with uneven tension and shape.

A top view of the completly doubled knot.

At this point the knot is placed on another mold and worked up to the final, even tension using the round jaw pliers to grab the individual strands.
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