9th Huddersfield

(Crosland Hill)
Scout Group
www.9thHuddersfieldScouts.org.uk

Lashings
There are four types of lashing -
square, diagonal, sheer, tripod. Each
lashing has a specific use and its
strengths are best realised by using the
correct lashing at each stage of the
project.
When lashing spars together it is
important to use ropes of the correct
thickness and length. For staves and
Pioneering structures are built using a spars up to 30 mm in diameter, use sisal.
series of knots know as lashings. Lashing For spars up to 75mm in diameter, use
is a method of 'wrapping', or binding, light rope.
the rope around the spars. The binding
As to length, 1 meter of rope for each
of the spars coupled with frapping -
25mm of the combined diameter of the
binding between the spars so as to
spars. For example, when using timbers
tighten the bindings - creates the
of 75mm - 100mm spars you will need
lashing.
approx. 7 metres of rope per lashing.

Square lashing
The square lashing is used whenever too many factors at play to do a
spars cross at right angles to each comparative study:
other. There are three common types the type of spars used;
of square lashings: the friction that is created
the traditional square lashing; between the spars;
the Japanese square lashing; the knot maker and his/her
the Norwegian square lashing. personal strength in which to
Each have there own merits. However, it tighten the knot;
the design of the structure used.
is easier to tie the Japanese and
Norwegian lashings. So whichever one you use is a matter
It is debatable as to the difference in of personal choice.
strengths of each lashing as there are

Lashings Ropecraft 1/4

 9th Huddersfield
(Crosland Hill)
Scout Group
www.9thHuddersfieldScouts.org.uk

Traditional square lashing

This lashing is started by tying a clove
hitch to the upright spar and under the
spar crossing it. The lashing is then
bound as shown completing 3 - 5 turns,
with the bindings side by side. Frapping
turns should then be applied between
the spars so as to tighten the bindings.
The lashing is finished with a clove
hitch around the cross spar.

Japanese lashing
the upright spar below the cross spar.
The two ropes are then bound around
the spars in the same method as the
tradition lashing except the double rope
is used.
When the frapping has to be applied,
the double rope is split. Each end has
frappings applied by crossing over each
rope. One of the advantages of frapping
this way is that you are able to get the
frapping turns tighter because you are
pulling against each other. The lashing is
This lashing is applied by halving your finished by tying a reef knot in the two
lashing rope and placing a loop around ends of the lashing rope.

Lashings Ropecraft 2/4

 9th Huddersfield
(Crosland Hill)
Scout Group
www.9thHuddersfieldScouts.org.uk

Norwegian Lashing
The Norwegian method of lashing again
uses a doubled rope. In this lashing,
however, we use the method of pulling
against each other, as used in the
frapping turns of the Japanese method,
throughout the lashing process. The
lashing is finished with a reef knot to
tie the two ends together.

Diagonal lashing
The diagonal lashing is used to 'spring'
two spars that do not touch together
where they cross. Begin with a timber
hitch around both spars. Tighten it to
draw the two spars together. Three or
four binding turns are made around one
fork, four more around the other fork.
Filipino Lasing – The turns should be beside each other
an alternative
diagonal lashing not on top of each other.
using doubled
rope.
A number of frapping turns should then
be made between the spars to tighten
up the lashing bindings. Finish the
lashing with a clove hitch.

Lashings Ropecraft 3/4

 9th Huddersfield
(Crosland Hill)
Scout Group
www.9thHuddersfieldScouts.org.uk

Shear lashing
lashing can also be used to join two
spars together so as to give a longer
spar. When the lashing is used in this
way you need to tie two lashings, one at
each end of the joint.
The lashing is made by making a clove
hitch around one of the spars and then
binding the two spars together by a
number of turns side by side, usually
about eight turns. When the binding is
complete, a number of frapping turns
The shear lashing is used to lash two are tied between the spars, finishing
spars together that will ultimately be the lashing with a clove hitch around
spread apart to form shear legs, used in the second spar. You can now open the
a number of pioneering projects. This spars to form your shear legs.

Tripod lashing
Start with a clove hitch on one of the
outside spars and weave the rope
around the spars in a figure of eight
motion. There should be eight or so
bindings side by side before you should
apply a number of frapping turns
between each spar. Finish the lashing
with a clove hitch on the opposite
outside spar.
The three spars should then be lifted
The tripod lashing is used to create a upright before the legs are spread. This
tripod with three spars. Begin the lashing, unlike others, must not be over
lashing by placing the three spars side tight otherwise it will not be possible to
up side ends to ends butts to butts. spread the legs correctly.

Lashings Ropecraft 4/4