just a quick request
Need to redo the brake bridle on a 4 meter buster..
?---what knot to use @ kite fabric (with sewn in fabric loops)?
thanks --------------Herb

Is there a kitemaker's "best" knot for this?

I'm guessing it's a hitch with a good balance between minimal line use and maximum security...

:eureka:

or could just double over the end of the line an inch or so, stick the loop end through and larS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s head like its a real loop, then use the extra little stubby bit of line sticking out of the larS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s head (the other line going towards whatever is next on the way to the flying line attachments...) and tie a tiny overhand around the long line mentioned just now, the larS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-s head takes most of the strain, the overhand knot makes sure it doesn't slip. would need to pull it all tight and make sure each knot used the same amount of line...

just an idea, I've only had to deal with sewn loops so far...

I would think a good knot would be a blood knot. It is used to join to lines of different sizes together but is amazingly strong. IMHO

If you are replacing a line at the trailing with factory made bridle with a loop at each end, take your bridle apart and use a larks head. If you are replacing with line with no loop, I suggest a sheet bend or a double sheet bend.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_bend

I usually use an overhand slip knot - feed the line through the sewn loop, and tie an overhand knot around the standing part of the bridle line. Then add an additional overhand knot on the bitter end to act as a stopper.

I find a sheet bend works best with tension on the standing part of each line, which you won't get from the sewn fabric loop at the kite.

Most high end kites now have sewn bridle loops in which case a larkshead is in order. And as Scudley said, you'd have to unbridle from the secondaries all the way back to the kite.


krumly

I can by no means say that I'm a kite bridal expert, but for similar line joining applications on the boat I'd use a Zeppelin Bend.

For the brake line to kite loop though... I did completely take apart one of my lower end HQ kites and it was pretty much all larks head, single and double figure eights. I think to replicate this thought you'd need to basically start with fresh lines from the kite loops and build up the bridal for the brakes. If you're trying to just repair one line and splice it into the existing line attached to the bridal then I'd probably start with the new line, make a double bowline (or double 8) on the side attaching to the kite loop and larks head that on then I'd zeppelin the lines together.

Would work on the boat :dunno: Hopefully a real kite maker can educate us...