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(3.) The Double-mesh Commencement.
The butt-end of the first netting-strip is fixed to the supporting-strand by a closed loop with an overhand knot, as in fig. 5. The netting-strip is then looped over the supporting-strand, and the loop pulled with the left middle finger until it is judged long enough to make two full meshes. Keeping the netting-strip taut with the right hand, bring it against the left limb of the loop at the lower end of the upper third at the point A in fig. 12. Grasp the two elements at this point with the left thumb and forefinger, and with the right hand make an overhand knot as in the closed-loop commencement. Still keeping the loop stretched with the left middle finger, bring the netting-strip against the right limb of the loop at the lower end of the middle third at the point B in fig. 13. Again tie an overhand knot, and the long loop is divided into two complete meshes—1 and 2 in fig. 14. The netting-strip is again carried over the supporting-strand and the tip of the left ring-finger is inserted under the new loop. The left middle finger, still hooked in the lower part of mesh 2, stretches the original first loop, whilst the ring-finger pulls on the new loop
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until the lower ends of both coincide. The netting-strip is brought against the left limb of the loop—i.e., against the side of mesh 1 at A1, on the same level as point A, and an overhand knot is made. This strip is then carried down against the right limb of the loop at B2 on the same level as B, and an overhand knot made. The second loop is thus divided into two complete meshes. This process is continued until the requisite number of meshes have been set up on the supporting-strand.
This is a quick, easy way of commencing a net: When the first long loop is stretched, divide it with the eye into three equal parts. The first knot is tied at the junction of the upper two parts, and the second at the
Figs. 12–14.—Double-mesh commencement.
junction of the lower two. This ensures meshes of even size. In the subsequent long loops see that the lower ends are brought to the same level, and keep the same lines of knots, A and B, accurately on their respective levels. By attention to these details an even mesh will be maintained throughout.