Fig. 273.—Untie and remove the string.
Fig. 274.—Braid into one braid.
After tying the lengths of twine together, separate the longest part into three divisions of four strands each ([Fig. 271]). Braid these strands together in one braid, beginning close to the string tied around the bunch; continue braiding firmly and tightly for the distance of two and a half or three inches ([Fig. 272]), then untie and remove the string from around the bunch ([Fig. 273]); bring the two ends of the braid together, and joining all the loose strands into three bunches of eight strands each, braid all into one braid ([Fig. 274]). When this larger braid is one inch long, with another string tie the loose ends of it firmly together close up to the braid. You will then have a braided ring on a braided stem. Wind the stem with an extra string; then tie a hard knot and cut away the ends of the string ([Fig. 275]).
| Fig. 275.—The strands are ready for netting the ball cover. | Fig. 276.—First step in tying string covering for the ball. | Fig. 277.—Tie the knots in this way. |
Divide the loose strands into bunches of three strands each, making eight bunches ([Fig. 275]). Pin the stem down to something stationary and firm; then take three strands, or one bunch, in each hand, and pass the first finger of your left hand between the two bunches; hold it there while you carry the bunch in your right hand across the bunch in your left hand; this forms a loop. Do not take your finger out of the loop until the entire double knot is made. Bring the bunch from your right hand under and through the loop formed by the crossing of the bunches; this will give [Fig. 276]. Pull the strings until the tie is a short distance from the stem; then tie the same strands again to form a firm knot. [Fig. 277] shows the method.
Tie together two more bunches, and two more, until all the bunches have been used and you have made four knots ([Fig. 278]).