Below is some guidance on making a basic four-strand Boatswain’s Mate Lanyard. You should take pride in making your Boatswain's Lanyard - plan how it will look when it is completed and be patient while working. The lanyard should be constructed using a number of various knots, hitches, sinnets and Turk’s heads. Fabricating the lanyard from a larger number of strands tends to produce a sharper, more intricate lanyard.
Below is a basic layout of how a lanyard may look using the various knots. Start with either one of the following sinnets and braids, depending on what look you would like to achieve. Remember, there are a wide variety of other braids and sinnets that you can use to give your lanyard a unique look. As you move along, work each round of tucks snug for a nice tight looking finished product.
To start: Take two pieces of line and loop them around a metal hanger or ring that will support it as you work. Loop it so that you have four working ends hanging freely.
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Bannister:
Make a series of half knots, alternating from the two outer strands.
The center strands will be used as a core.
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Solomon Bar:
Make a series of left and right half knots using the outer strands. Always keep the same strand in front as you work.
The center strands will be used as a core.
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Square Sinnet:
Tuck each strand through a loop in each adjacent strand.
Work each tuck snug and repeat.
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Round Sinnet: Take the outer strand behind the two center ones and then bring it back in front and place it between the two that you went behind. Repeat these steps.
4-Strand Braid: Take the outer strand in front of The center two strands and then the opposite outer strand in front on one strand.
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At points where you change the pattern, or where the loop joins the shorter section where you will attach the Boatswain’s Pipe, a Turk’s Head will cover up the seam or joint nicely. You can use any size Turk’s Head; 3, 4, 5 strand… Here are the directions from NAVEDTRA 14343 Boatswain’s Mate, on how to construct various size Turk’s Heads.
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| Pics compliments of the BM NAVEDTRA |
Again, this is a basic four-strand lanyard, as you practice and sharpen your skill, you can may want to add additional strands and other sinnets and knots for a fancier look. Good Luck! |
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