The Incredible
Rope Machine
Instructions
 1
Clamp the separator to a table top.
Determine the desired length of the rope and then tie the yarns to the
first hook on the Rope Machine. The Rope Machine should be as far away
from the separator as the desired length of rope, plus additional for
take-up (the amount is determined by the kind of rope being made - the
fatter the rope, the more take-up). Following the diagram, carry the yarns
around Peg A, around the middle hook on the Rope Machine, around Peg B,
then around the last hook on the Rope Machine, and finally return around
the outside of Pegs B and A, ending where you began. There should be two
lines of yarn from each peg. For a thicker rope, repeat the process as
many times as desired.
 2
Begin to make
the rope by turning the Rope Machine crank clockwise (this is the
direction of the twist in most yarns you will use; you want to put more
twist in the yarns and so you need to crank in the direction of the
twist). Keep the yarns taut as you crank. The more turns, the tighter the
finished rope will be. As the yarns become more twisted they will take up,
shortening the rope strands. Crank until the twist is so tight that when
tension is released, the yarns kink back on themselves.
 3
Now twist the three strands together to make a rope. Take hold
of the yarns at the back of the separator. Hold the three strands and pull
them slowly away from the separator, twisting them together in a
counter-clockwise direction (opposite what you did in the first step). It
is helpful to have a second person hold the Rope Machine while you pull
the yarn through the separator. Add more twist, if needed, by cranking
clockwise.
 4
The three strands will naturally twist together. As you pull them through
the separator, guide the yarns to ensure that they are even and smooth. As
the Rope Machine moves closer and closer to the separator, occasionally
give the crank a few clockwise turns to keep the strands tightly twisted.
When the Rope Machine reaches the separator, slip the three strands off
the hooks and tie an overhand knot in the end to prevent raveling.
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