PPT Slide
One last time, hold the bell pull with the clapper loop down, and set up a Matthew Walker knot, which will be above the star knot around the stem of the bell pull.
The Matthew Walker after 5 rounds. The finished knot below is with 6 rounds.
Draw up carefully and snugly, alternating tension on one strand at a time. You can clip the ends close, work them under the spiralled strands of the Matthew Walker with a pointed tool and they will completely disappear. Alternatively, using a needle and a fid, you can tuck the strands back through the Star knot emerging in the recess at the center of the base, and clip them there.
A small turks head around the center of the stem or around the base of the Matthew Walker above the Star can add a neat touch of additional texture, accent color and additional flair.
Dipping the finished bell pull in a clear urethane or water-based poly-acrylic, or shellac (which darkens the color) works well to harden the bell pull. Allow a day or so to dry thoroughly.
Verbiage has been borrowed from the unknown author of the original article published in Knotting Matters, published by the I.G.K.T.
Also tying descriptions come from Ashley’s Book of Knots, The Marlinspike Sailor by Hervey Garret Smith, and The Handbook of Knots by Des Pawson.
Bell Pull knots tied by Rob Higgins, photographs taken by Phil Lipoma