Sennits are more than fancy knots
Most ropes are braided by twisting the strands, but strands can be plaited (called a sennit) to create a “fancier” looking rope. Similarly, rather than ending a rope by tying it off in a knot or by whipping the end, you can terminate the rope end with plaits. This is commonly seen on lanyards, quality clothes, and fancy leatherworking. When making tools in the wild, you can plait the ends for decorative purposes and function.
What is a Sennit?
A sennit is a type of braid that is made up of multiple strands of material, such as rope, twine, or cord. The strands are intertwined over and under each other to create a flat, wide braid. Sennits are often used in nautical applications, such as for tying knots or securing sails.
The main difference between a sennit and a plait is the number of strands used and the intended application.
What is a Plait?
A plait is also a type of braid, but it is typically made up of only three strands. The strands are woven over and under each other, similar to a braid you might make with your hair. Plaits can be used for a variety of purposes, such as making bracelets, belts, or other decorative items.
Round Sennit
A Round Sennit can be made with any even number of strands. In the example below, we complete a Round Sennit with a rope containing six strands.
Step 1: Unlay the strands and whip them at the point where our Round Sennit will begin.
Step 2: Cross each neighboring pair of strands and, allowing the even-numbered strands to hang down, lift the odd-numbered strands up and out of the way. In our example, the even-number strands (black strands in our diagram) will go to the right and the odd-numbered strands (white strands in our diagram) to the left.
Step 3: Pass each even-numbered strand over the odd-numbered strand to its right and when this has been done, hold the even-numbered strands up and allow the odd-numbered strands to drop down.
Step 4: Cross each odd-numbered strand over the even-numbered to its left, hold it up, and allow the even-numbered strands to drop down.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 alternately.
Flat Sennit
Step 1: Secure the strands (any number) over a rope or bar.
Step 2: Bring the right-hand strand across to the left, passing it alternatively under and over the other strands.
Step 3: Repeat step 2, taking care to keep the sennit straight by slanting the other strands to the right.
French Sennit
Step 1: Start with an odd number of strands and divide them into two groups, one with one more strand than the other (the right hand in the illustration).
Step 2: Work the outside strand of the larger group over and under its companions until it becomes the inside strand of the other group (goes from right to left in the illustration).
Step 3: What was the smaller group is now the larger, so take its outside strand over and under its companions until in its turn it becomes the inside strand of the other group.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 alternately.
Plaits
Plaits are similar to sennits but a bit more complicated.
Chain Plait
The Chain Plait is a single strand plait.
Step 1: At the end of the rope, make an Overhand Knot but make a small loop (bight) instead of both ends of the rope (see “A” in the diagram).
Step 2: Pull a small bight (“B”) through the loop (“A”).
Step 3: Through the new loop that is formed, pull another bight of the loose end, and so on.
Step 4: To finish, run the end through the last loop.
Double Chain Plait
Step 1: Form a Figure of 8 Knot but do not pull the knot tight.
Step 2: Dip the end I through the bight “B”. This leaves a new bight “A”.
Step 3: Dip the end through the new bight. This leaves another new one under “B”.
Step 4: Continue dipping the end through each new bight. Finish by running the end through the last bight and pulling it tight.
Square plait
A Square Plait looks like a Square Sennit made with eight strands but really requires only one.
Step 1: Pass the end I through the knot to make loop b
Step 2: Pass a bight of the end I through loop A to make loop C. See Figure b.
Step 3: Tighten loop A by pulling on the upper side of loop B
Step 4: Pass I through loop B to make loop D (as C was made in A)
Step 5: Tighten loop B by pulling on the upper side of loop C
Step 6: Continue passing a bight of loose end alternately through loops to left and right and drawing the loops tight. See Figure c.
Step 7: To finish, pass the end through the last loop but one made, through the last loop, and down between the last two middle strands and haul tight.
