[Ian McColgin]

Ahoy Aaron,

When you really understand the structure of the knot, this will get easier. To start, try leaving a pin in the line just about halfway through the turk's head. When ready, enter at that point with a marling spike and pull up what slack you can. Keep the axis of the head in the same position relative to you throughout what comes next. I'll write as if you chose normal to you so the axis goes left to right. So roll the work top away from you till you see where the strand you pulled up goes under something and comes out again. Enter here with your spike and pull it tight. Keep doing this till you get to the end of the knot. Now, revers left and right, return to the pin and pull up what slack you can, and repeat.

When I was a Cub Scout I made one for my handkerchief slide. Formed up so tightly on the dowel I was using as a form that it took Dad's help to get it off. One of the nicest places for a Turk's Head is at the king spoke of a destroyer style wheel.

G'luck

Ian