How to Make a Turks Head Tool

OK, I will admit that this is not a step by step guide on how to make a Turks Head Tool or Turks Head Jig. What I will show you, are the dimensions of my Turks Head tool and also how this simple tool can be used to make a Turks Head with different number of bights and leads. If you are not sure on what is meant by this, you may want to take a look at this post Explaining Turks Head Bights Leads and Passes.

Turks Head Tool Dimensions

This particular Turks Head jig is made from a plastic chopping board, the material really does not matter. The only thing I would say is, just make sure that whatever material you use, make sure the edges are smooth so as not to snag your cordage. When it comes to size, this too can be whatever your preference is. The one shown below is 11cm X 11cm, and I find this size works well for most Turks Heads that I have had to tie. The thickness of the board is about 6mm

Turks Head Tool Pegs

The Turks Head Jig is then drilled at equidistant intervals, in this case 9 holes along the top, then another 9 holes along the bottom. Additionally to that there are two holes drilled top and bottom on each end edge. So with this particular tool you can create a Turks Head with up to 11 bights. The pegs on this tool are grub screws that can be screwed in to create the desired number of bights. You could if you wanted to, just use some small tightish fitting rods to act as pegs.

Finally there is a slightly larger hole drilled in one corner (top image) of the board, this is so that you can pass your cord through this and knot it in place, so as you pass your cord past pin one, your cord remains tight and does not fall off.

What Does the Turks Head Tool Do

The whole idea of this simple but very effective tool or jig, is that you can create Turks Heads of many various bights and leads, just by using this tool. So if for example you Looking at the Turks Head Jig just above, this is set up to create a 8 Bight Turks Head. There are 4 pins protruding on each side at the top and the bottom of the board, giving you a total of 8 pins around which your cord will pass to create a Turks Head with 8 Bights.

How to Use the Turks Head Jig

In the video below, you will see how the Turks Head tool is used. When you first start out, you may also want add some white masking onto which you can write the number of the pegs. This will help you to follow the instructions. Once you have watched the video, you will then be able to use the tying the Turks Head instructions below and tie a beautiful Turks Head.

Turks Head Recipe or Turks Head Instructions

So now that you have watched the video, you should be able to tie your Turks Head using the instructions shown below. I do plan to list more instructions on this site for you to download, so do keep coming back and checking for the newest addition.

So to start off, put 4 pins evenly space through your Turks Head Jig at the top and bottom. This will result in you creating an 8 bight Turks head. Make sure the your board is facing you with the cord hole top left. put your cord through the hole and tie a loose knot at back of hole to stop your cord from coming out. Now as per the instructions above, take your cord past pin A1, down and then round pin B4, then up and round pin A8 and so on. O and U is just telling that where the cord crosses, whether your cord should pass under or over. Once you get to pin A1 again, you have completed your Turks Head. It is at this point you can decide how many passes you want your Turks Head to be (see link in first paragraph).

Download More Turks Head Instructions

At the moment the number of Turks Head instructions is small, but you will be notified each time I update this downloadable list.