|
Step 1
Measure a
little more than twice the length you will want for
the double-line. Bring end back to standing line and
hold together. Rotate end of loop 18 - 23 times, by
twisting it. |
 |
|
 |
Step 2
Slowly
spread the loop to slide twists together about 10"
below tag end. You want to spread the lines evenly,
keeping the same angle on each side, so they do not
wrap on top on one another. Step both feet through
loop and bring it up around knees so pressure can be
placed on column of twists by spreading knees your
apart. It is easiest to learn the knot with two
people so one person can hold and spread the lines
while the other person ties the knot. Bimini twists
over 5 feet long really need two people to tie
properly, unless you have 8' legs ! |
|
Step 3
With
twists now snug together, hold standing line in one
hand with tension just slightly off the vertical
position. With other hand, move tag end to position
at right angle to twists. Keeping tension on loop
with knees, gradually ease tension of tag end so it
will roll over the column of twists, beginning just
below the upper twist. (as the line continues to
spread apart the tag end will wrap back down over
top of the twists.) |
 |
|
 |
Step 4
Spread
legs apart slowly to maintain pressure on loop.
Steer tag end into a tight spiral coil as it
continues to roll over the twisted line. It take a
practice, but avoid the twists jumping back over
top. The twists should lay side by side and coil
down nicely as shown to the right. |
|
Step 5
When
spiral of tag end has rolled over column of twists,
continue keeping knee pressure on loop and pinch the
end of knot to keep it from unraveling. Put a finger
in crotch of line where loop joins knot to prevent
slippage of last turn. Now make a simple half-hitch
with tag end around nearest leg of loop and pull up
tight. |
 |
|
 |
Step 6
With
half-hitch holding knot, release knee pressure but
keep loop stretched. Using remaining tag end, take
half-hitch around both legs of loop, but do not pull
tight. |
|
Step 7
Make 2-3
more turns with the tag end around both legs of the
loop, winding inside the bend of line formed by the
loose half-hitch and toward the knot. Pull tag end
slowly, forcing the loops to form in a spiral. |
 |
|
 |
Step 8
Moisten
spirals and pull loops tight against main knot.
Leave about 1/4" of a tag end when trimming. Keep
practicing, it takes some time, but is a great knot
worth the effort. |