Sailmaker's Whipping - Step by Step

Whippings are put on the end of a rope to prevent the rope from unlaying. Whippings are most necessary for natural fibre ropes that can't be melted.

Whippings are preferable to back-splices whenever there is a need for the rope's end to pass through an eye or a block. I think a whipping is always preferable because a back-splice will catch on anything at the most inconvenient moment.

Whippings are usually made from waxed twine or rope yarn. For my example I've used some braided cord. A boot lace will do.

The length of a whipping should be at least equal to the diameter of the rope, and for permanent whippings, a second one should be made nine diameters from the end.

My favourite whipping is the sailmaker's whipping. I think it looks great and I've never seen one work adrift. Here's how to make one...

Step 1: Getting Started

• Get the end of the rope to be whipped in one hand.
• Get the twine in your other hand.
• Poke the end of the twine through the rope passing under one of the strands. About 200mm from the end of the rope.
• Now pass the twine over the next rope strand and then through the rope again going under the last strand. It should come out between the same two strands you first poked it through.
• Pull the twine through to give yourself about 200mm hanging out.
• Leave about 50mm of bight hanging at the back.
• You should now be ready to start whipping.

NB. If you find it easier you can unlay the rope to perform the above steps and then lay up the rope again when you are ready to start whipping.

Comments

[Larry Green]

Love your top photo. (I used it with a link back to your instructable). As an alternate method to inserting the whipping cord into the rope, you can unlay the three strands. There's a link to a blow by blow pictorial illustration on this page. (Scroll down.)

[Crucio]

While I don't generally find manila (or any kind of 3-strand) rope on the types of boats I sail on, I'm going to practice and memorize this whipping. It looks great and I'm eager to try it with some multi-strand synthetic rope I have in the garage. Thanks a lot!

[devonfletch]

My favourite knot would have to be the Ashley's Constrictor Knot. This amazing knot will whip a rope in seconds, and last for years. It's also great for synthetic ropes, you can melt them over the knot, and it will never let you down.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constrictor_knot

The only draw-back with this knot is that, once pulled down tight, you'll have to cut it to get it undone. When whipping a rope, I pull it tight with a couple of pairs of pliers, with jerking action to pull it up REALLY tight. You can then cut the ends off very close, it won't come undone.

[Fareastsails]

Thanks for sharing information about staysail making and maintaining.

[jimbotheconflictor]

Very nice! I could've used this on the sisal rope for my cat tree... Maybe fore the next one.

[cammers]

Thanks.
Yes, I think this is the best permanent whipping for any natural fibre rope.

[aristide202]

and for synthetic ropes also. Burn and melt or tape the end of ropes not the best way to prevent unlaying a valuable 1 inch rope. A well made whipping will last for years in tough condions

[cammers]

I quite agree.
When I was working on barges I would whip the ends of all the larger ropes and then lightly melt the tips. The result was very professional looking. And the whipping would generally outlast the rope.

[xfirexstarzx]

Beautiful work!

[cammers]

Thanks.