A solid way to build a tripod with rope is the tripod lashing with racking turns, where the rope is woven between the poles. I learned this method from Gerald L. Findley’s book Rope Works. Here’s how to do it:
(1 min. 29 sec. video shot by me on 9 Nov 2025 in Lelystad, the Netherlands)
Method
- Lay the pole side by side with the butt ends aligned.
- Tie a clove hitch around one of the outside poles.
- Secure the standing part by wrapping it around the running part.
- Begin the racked wrapping turns: weave the rope between the poles for 5-7 tight wraps.
- Add 3 frapping turns next to the pole with the clove hitch, pulling each one tight.
- Add 3 more frapping turns between the outside pole and the center pole, taken in the opposite direction to avoid crossing the wrappings diagonally.
- Finish with two half hitches around the second outside pole, forming a tight clove hitch.
Happing building!