How to Design a Custom Turk’s Head Knot | Free Template & Custom Jig
How to Design a Custom Turk’s Head Knot
Learn how to use the free KnotJigs Turk’s Head designer to create a custom knot pattern, preview the design, download a printable template, or order a made-to-design 3D printed jig.
Design Before You Tie
This guide shows how to plan a Turk’s Head knot for a project, such as a walking stick, handle, tube, woggle, mandrel or decorative ropework band. The designer is free to use, and ordering a custom jig is optional.
Choose the Size
Enter the mandrel diameter, knot height and cord size to suit your project.
Preview the Knot
Check the flat pattern and wrapped 3D preview before printing or ordering. Extra passes can be checked for fit in the 3d view.
Print or Order
Download a printable SVG template for free, or order a custom 3D printed jig.
Watch the Tutorial
This video shows how to use the KnotJigs Turk’s Head Knot Designer, including how to create a pattern, download a printable template and order a custom jig.
What is the Custom Turk’s Head Designer?
The KnotJigs custom cylindrical Turk’s Head designer is an online tool for planning decorative knots that wrap around a cylinder. Instead of planning the pattern by hand, you can enter the knot settings and immediately see how the knot will look.
The tool can be used to create a printable template, check a knot before tying, or order a custom jig made to your chosen design.
The designer handles the layout, preview and printable pattern automatically.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to design a custom Turk’s Head knot for your own project.
1. Choose Your Project Size
Start with the diameter of the object you want the knot to fit, such as a tube, handle, walking stick, woggle or mandrel.
2. Enter the Knot Settings
Choose the leads, bights, cord size and knot height. The preview updates as the settings are changed.
3. Check the Preview
Use the flat pattern and 3D preview to check that the knot looks suitable before downloading or ordering.
4. Download the Template
Export the SVG pattern and print it to use as a full-size tying guide for your knot. SVG cord gap showing over and under can be altered using the styled trim gap in the weave section.
5. Order a Custom Jig
If you want a physical jig, click the custom jig order button in the designer. The selected knot data is attached automatically to your order.
6. Tie the Knot
Use the printed template or custom jig to follow the route of the strand and build the Turk’s Head knot more accurately.
Printable Turk’s Head Knot Templates
The designer can export a styled SVG pattern. This can be printed and wrapped around a tube, mandrel or project as a tying guide.
Printable templates are useful if you want to test a design, tie a one-off knot, scale a knot for a particular diameter, or plan decorative ropework before making a physical jig.
Open Custom Designer →Ordering a Custom Turk’s Head Jig
A custom jig is a 3D printed mandrel made to the knot settings selected in the designer. The included pins are positioned for your chosen leads, bights, mandrel diameter and cord size.
This is useful if you want to tie the same knot repeatedly, make a cleaner and more repeatable knot, or work on a project where a standard jig size is not quite right.
After checkout, each custom jig design is checked before printing. If the selected design cannot be made cleanly at the chosen size, we will contact you before production.
Common Uses
Custom Turk’s Head knots are useful for many decorative and practical ropework projects.
- Walking stick grips and handle wraps.
- Scout woggles and neckerchief slides.
- Paracord bracelets and decorative bands.
- Leather lace work and craft projects.
- Knife handles, tool handles and bottle decoration.
- Planning knots before making a permanent jig or mandrel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the designer without buying a jig?
Yes. The designer is free to use. You can create patterns, preview the design and download printable SVG templates without purchasing anything.
What is a custom Turk’s Head jig?
A custom Turk’s Head jig is a 3D printed mandrel made to the settings you choose in the designer. It helps guide the knot and hold the shape while tying.
Can I print a paper template instead?
Yes. The SVG export can be printed and used as a tying template. This is ideal for testing a design or tying a one-off knot.
What is the maximum custom jig size?
The current maximum custom jig size is 75 mm diameter × 200 mm long.
Do I need to understand leads and bights?
It helps to know the basic terms, but the designer makes the process much easier by showing the pattern and 3D preview as you work.
Start Designing
Open the custom cylindrical Turk’s Head designer to create your own pattern, download a printable template, or order a custom 3D printed knot jig.
Design a Custom Turk’s Head →