clovehitch

Part two... the Clove Hitch

1) cord length should extend about 6" beyond the bow end

2) if you are right handed, place your left thumb at the edge of the notch pointing it toward the end of the bow

3) in the notch, loop the cord around the bow, away from you, and bringing it back under itself

4) place your thumb over the notch and loop the cord over the top of it

5) the thumb is forming an arch in the cord

6) bring the end of the cord through the formed arch

7) bring the end of the cord all the way through

8) pull the end tight forming a clove hitch. I will explain later the practical uses of this knot

Next: getting started

Why use a clove hitch ? The clove hitch is an adjustable knot. It can be tightened or loosened by pulling the the line on either side of the knot. Since the bowstring needs to be wrapped around the drill at "just" the right amount of tension, it will be neccessary to make frequent adjustments. Pulling the bowsting side of the knot, back and forth, will loosen the string. Pulling the other side of the knot will tighten it. If,when you are drawing the bow, the drill is not turning, you need to stop and tighten the bowstring. The string can also be tightened by manipulating it with your thumb and fingers. This is taught in a later segment. Parachute cord is "slippery". Knowing how to manipulate it is important.