far enough from the
clamped block of wood to make the threads that are stretched between
quite taut. Now commence the twisting by turning the large wheel quickly
with an even motion in the direction that continues to twist up the
threads, keeping the left hand on the instrument to steady it, for it
gradually slides towards the block as the twisting continues. When
corkscrew-like knots begin to come in the threads, stop revolving the
wheel, unhook the two outer threads and place them both on the central
hooks together with the third thread, keeping them taut during the
process. Revolve the large wheel again, in the direction opposite to
that in which it has been working, and continue turning until the cord
is tightly twisted up. It is now made, and can be removed from the
machine. The second twisting had better be over-done rather than not
sufficiently, since if over-twisted the cord rights itself upon being
removed from the machine. A two-ply cord is made in like manner, by
using first the two outer hooks only, and then placing both threads
together on the central hooks.

There is a simple way of making this cord without the help of any
instrument, but it is not possible to get the perfect result that the
machine gives. It is most easily carried out by two persons, though one
can do it. In order to make a two-plied cord, by hand, take a thread
rather more than twice the length of the required cord. Let each worker
take an end of the thread in the right hand and commence to twist it
between the thumb and finger, each working in direction opposite to the
other and keeping the thread at tension. When twisted as much as
possible without getting corkscrew-like knots in the thread, the cord
must be doubled in half by holding it at the centre and bringing
together the two ends, which are then knotted. During the entire process
the thread must be kept under tension. If one end of the cord is now let
go it should immediately twist itself up tight, and remain in that
position. If any small knots form during the process run the cord
sharply through the fingers once or twice to straighten it out.

[Illustration: Fig. 150.]

[Illustration: Fig. 151.]

[Illustration: Fig. 152.]

Another pretty kind of cord is a knotted one. It is made in the hand in
most primitive fashion by using the two first fingers as crochet hooks.
The thread used for making it should be stout and firm. To commence
making the cord, knot two pieces of threa