Lucid Motions

We have had several clients come to us recently with design packages including some rope needs and as the companies resident knot expert, I thought it was time to share some simple tricks and resources to tie things up…

If you do not already own it, having a copy of the Backstage Handbook is a must for everyone, yes professionals … you too! Aside from the general stagecraft knowledge on its pages, there is some great rope and knot work in the book as well. However to really stand out from the crowd and ascertain full geek’dom, one must add yet another book to their arsenal. The Ashley Book of Knots, which has stood the test of time, is THE definitive reference for rope and knot work. It will teach you how to tie just about every knot for just about every situation you could possibly ever encounter. Focusing on the seizing and whipping sections will open doors for simple effects that can take a prop that extra mile.

I have used the rope work to add hand grips to antique tools, cover steel binding on mops and brooms and to dress the boat that is pictured on our home page. The only tools needed to accomplish the vast majority of your work are a marlin spike, a knife/scissors and a set of large leather needles. For project goods, I hold onto a grab bag of small diameter cotton rope and twine, sisal twine and a few blocks of household paraffin wax. Additionally, it is handy to have a roll of “seizing twine” -a cotton twine pre-impregnated with wax, which can be purchased from a handful of vendors; but, I typically turn to Mike at Hartford Cordage, as he carries a great workable product.

The use of an English Whipping is perfect for simple masking, decoration, and whipping rope cuts. The method allows the tails of the seizing twine to disappear neatly under the body of the whipping. If design choices have you whipping with sisal, I suggest heating up a small amount of paraffin to work into twine once you are finished. The paraffin can help prevent sisal from loosening and it will soften the feel when handled.  For the most part, we prefer to use cotton rope or premium manila as they can be easily “aged” with a simple tea dye.

Lastly, rope is a product where you really do get what you pay for! Go cheap and you will wind up with rope that has poor color, a rough hand feel and will not last.