Coachwhipping Tutorial
Coachwhipping is a term that can have different meanings depending on the context. The most common usage refers to a traditional craft or decorative technique involving the weaving or braiding of narrow strips of leather, fabric or cordage around a handle or shaft. This technique is often used to enhance the grip, durability, and aesthetics of items such as horsewhips, walking sticks, fishing rods, and similar objects. I personally think of Coachwhipping as a way of making a really long Turks Head.
Coachwhipping Ashley’s Book of Knots
For those that are interested, Coachwhipping can also be found in ABoK 3015, 4 strands doubled or 3026, 6 Strands doubled as shown in the photos below:
Coachwhipping Video Tutorial
In this Coachwhipping tutorial, you will see how John Trevvett gets to grips with a “Snakes Wedding” (lots of strands) of cordage and produces a beautiful example of Coachwhipping.
Coachwhipping by Eric Franklin
I would like to thank the International Guild of Knot Tyers for allowing me to steal these images that were created by Eric Franklin. In the first image you will need to seize for pairs of cordage to the object that you want to cover with the Coachwhipping. I would think that these cords would be well held in place with our old friend the Constrictor Knot. In the second image you can see how the actual Approaching is started by passing the upper left pair of cords over the upper right pair which are passed underneath forming an X as shown in figure 2. Next the rear left pair, pass to the right under the next pair and over the second pair (fig2)
According to the diagram this pattern is repeated as shown in figure 3, Finally when your object has been covered smartly, you can then secure the leads at the bottom with another constrictor knot. Finally you would then cover your top and bottom seizing/constrictor knot with a Turks Head or another decorative knot of your choice.
Coachwhipping Top Tip
I did once hear someone say that when they were Coachwhipping, they would lay a mirror under their work, so they could see that the backside was looking smart, without having to physically look underneath or turn the work over. Maybe that is a good idea, but I have as yet to try doing it that way.
Constrictor Knot Working End and Folded Method
If you are not sure on how to tie the Constrictor Knot, this video will show you two very quick but different ways in which the Constrictor Knot can be tied.
The Marlinspike Sailor
There is also a section on Coachwhipping in the Marlinspike Sailor, by Hervey Garret Smith. I have to say that as well as tools, I do love my knotting books and this one is also in my collection. I often open it for ideas and inspiration, it must be important to me as I keep it protected in a plastic sleeve. I am not sure if the book is still for sale, but there is a link below that would be a good starting point to locate a copy.
 | Ashley Book of Knot (ABoK) This really is the bible of all knots, consisting of over 600 pages and over 3000 diagrams Rating: | ||
 | Knot Craft and Rope Mats: 60 Ropework Projects Including 20 Mat Designs by Des Pawson Rating: | ||
 | The Marlinspike Sailor by Harvey Garret Smith If you are starting to build a collection of knotting books, then this is a great one to have in your library. Rating: | ||
 | A Practical Guide to Tying Knots by Geoffrey Budworth This book contains 75 bends, hitches, knots, bindings, loops, mats, plaits, rings and slings. Rating: |
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