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Forum Home > With Cord Rosary > Knotted Rosaries making them soft vs. stiff/curly

RB2
Member
Posts: 3 		I've started making knotted rosaries and was wondering if you could help me with a question. Some time ago I ordered some knotted rosaries off of Ebay. They were soft and hung loosely. However, the ones I am making with #36 twine(not bonded; frays and untwists when cut) come out stiff or starchy and curl slight when hanging. Whats the problem? Thanks
September 9, 2011 at 1:47 PM Flag Quote & Reply

rosarymakers
Site Owner
Posts: 134

Hello RB2 and welcome to Rosary Makers Guide!

There are a number of factors that may be contributing to the problem you are having with your Knotted Twine rosaries curling.

Twine can be made of natural fibers, as well as synthetic materials. So it may depend on the type of twine/cord you are using. Natural fibers like jute, hemp, and cotton are stiff and may curl up when tying the knots. The synthetic twine most recommended for Knotted Twine rosaries is Nylon, either twisted or braided. Braided twine will be slightly thicker than twisted. Both are made up of a number of strands which will fray and come undone when cut.

Before beginning each rosary, the twine must be "tempered" or melted at both ends with a flame, enough to turn the fiber slightly liquid and gooey. Melt the end, let it cool just a few seconds and then using your fingertips or a hard surface, flatten and taper the end so that all of the strands come together to form one hard "blob." If the blob is too big to work with, it can be trimmed to a point with sharp scissors. Melting both ends keeps the fibers together, and they are less likely to loosen in spots as you proceed with your work.

When tying the knots, try to keep the same "loose hold" tension on both sides of your work. In other words, the cord in your left hand is held with the same tension as the cord in your right hand. Nylon twine is slippery so developing the correct tension takes a bit of practice. Exert firm pressure/pulling on the twine only when finishing each knot, so as not to stretch it out of shape. If you must lay your work down in the middle of a rosary, try to be sure to pick it up again from the same position.

Before you tie your Center Knot, with your arm raised high, hang the length of completed knots loosely over your finger and let them "fall" naturally into position, uncurling the long lengths of yet unused twine. This can also be done at any time you feel that the twine may be curling up on you.

Tying rosaries is truly an art, and you are the artist! Practice makes perfect..or nearly : )
Hope this has been of some help to you. Please let us know how you do. Our members may have tips of their own to pass on.

Thanks for a great question, and may God bless you.
- Mary
September 9, 2011 at 11:21 PM Flag Quote & Reply

RB2
Member
Posts: 3 		Thanks for your help. I've found out that my problem with my rosaries is the twine. We all use Nylon Twine #36 BTW. But the tip about hanging and untwisting before tying the two ends was helpful. My supplier has been notified and has concurred with problems/difference with this lot.
--
September 13, 2011 at 4:53 PM Flag Quote & Reply

Shad
Member
Posts: 36

If you're having trouble with twine quality you should give Divine Twine a try. I've ordered from them several times.  They're great!
September 17, 2011 at 8:06 PM Flag Quote & Reply

RB2
Member
Posts: 3 		Nope the culprit was the black twine from a certain reputable supplier known for their rich colors and specialized 'variegated' colors. Supposedly the black is unique and problematic at times. Other suppliers , have heard through others, have these same problems with black from time to time. But my supplier solved the problem. Divine Twine is nice but only sells strands not rolls. --Not ideal. Since this was my first time making knotted rosaries I made 5 or more rosaries with this black twine that I was not happy with and didnt understand what the problem was until I tried the roll of brown and a roll of purple twine I had ordered at the same time. The black twine behaved like plastic, was stiff, and not like cotton. The purple and brown was great twine, the rosaries came out soft, like they were made of cotton and all was good.
September 19, 2011 at 2:56 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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