latigoknot

How to Tie the Advanced Latigo Knot

latigoknotWe all know how important it is to check our latigo and double off for wear and deterioration each time we saddle up http://bit.ly/1Lhi39f. If you’ve purchased a new latigo and would like to attach it to your saddle dee with a clean, nice-looking and nearly flat knot, this guideline will show you how. This knot also works for rear billets. It takes a little longer to tie than the quick and easy latigo knot we learned last time. We visited with saddle maker Mark Meek of Mark Meek Saddlery in Weatherford, TX, to learn how to properly tie this knot. In addition to your latigo or rear billet, you will need an awl, pliers and saddle soap. Follow this easy guideline:

Start by tying the quick and easy latigo knot we learned previously, but do not put the tails of the string under the loop. 

1.     You will notice that the holes on your latigo or rear billet form the shape of a triangle. Use an awl to open the holes on the bottom of the triangle. Rub some saddle soap on the string to make it easier to slide in and out of the holes.

2.     Thread each tail of the string through one of the bottom holes of the triangle going from the front to back. This will mean that these holes have now had the string threaded through twice.

3.     From the back pull the strings tight.

4.     Open the bottom holes with the awl again and apply more saddle soap to the string if needed.

5.     Take the tail on the left, making certain it’s not twisted, and form a loop by bringing it from the back to the front of the latigo or billet. Thread it through the left bottom hole from front to back. This is the third time the string has been threaded through the hole.

6.     Do the same on the right side using the right tail and right hole.

7.     From the back use your pliers to pull the front of the knot taut by pulling the tail and the loop portions at the same time on each side.

8.     Finish pulling the loop portion of the knot tight by pulling each tail with your pliers.

9.     From the back thread each tail under the opposite side of the knot that formed the V portion of the triangle.

10.  Pull the strings taut.

11.  Trim the string ends and tap the knot flat with a flattening hammer if desired.

12.  This is how the finished knot looks from the front!

All latigos and double off latigos are made by hand, one at a time, at Dennis Moreland Tack. There are a variety of sizes to choose from and we can custom split your latigo if you’d like. To get more information call 817-312-5305 or visit: http://bit.ly/1X8KKyk.

We’re a full line manufacturer of handmade tack and we’re here to help you!