Learn to make a spiral for complex wraps

In an article on wrapping, Jérôme Barnouin explained that there are a dozen to fifteen basic patterns that let you create an infinite variety of different wraps. For simpler bindings, the general idea is the same. Among these simple, basic patterns is the spiral, which then lets you produce, using the same initial technique, an “olive branch” or a “saw blade” wrap. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to master this fundamental spiral.

Step 1: lock the accent thread

After starting your wrap with the main thread, trap the accent (ornamental) thread under a few turns and trim it flush.

Remember to “pack” the wrap well with a burnisher for a neat, clean finish.

While you can use nylon thread to make spirals, I prefer metal thread, whose sheen will enhance your patterns. You must, however, work carefully to avoid fraying.

Step 2: start the spiral

To obtain different, symmetrical or asymmetrical motifs, you can orient your spirals NE–SW (northeast/southwest) or NW–SE (northwest/southeast). The handling is identical, but in the first case turn the thread from right to left, passing over the main thread; in the second, from left to right.

To begin the spiral, wind the accent thread around the main thread—either one turn at a time or in sets of 4 or 5.

Once these turns are made, rotate the blank to wind the spiral around it.

By playing with the tension and orientation of the accent thread (pulled downward or upward), you’ll adjust the size and angle of the coils and ensure their uniformity.

Step 3: continue the spiral

After the first coils, repeat the initial step: wind another 4 or 5 turns of accent thread around the main thread, then rotate the blank. Adjust and even out the size of the coils by guiding the accent thread down or up.

Step 4: lock the spiral

Once you’ve gone all the way around the blank, pass the accent thread under the main thread, then make several turns to lock it.

All that remains is to trim the excess and secure the wrap.

Making an “olive branch” wrap

Now that you’ve mastered the spiral (in both orientations), you can move on to more complex motifs, such as the “saw blade” or the “olive branch.”

For the latter pattern, here’s the sequence I use:

• 3 turns with the accent thread
• 5 turns with the main thread
• 1 NE–SW spiral
• 3 turns with the main thread
• 2 turns with the accent thread
• 3 turns with the main thread
• 1 NW–SE spiral
• 5 turns with the main thread
• 3 turns with the accent thread

Once the motif is complete, continue the wrap, trim the excess accent thread, lock, pack, and finish with varnish!