The edge of a sail is seamed with a continuous rope, the corners have loops (bends) spliced in, and sheets, tacks, and other ropes that guide the sail are fastened to those loops.
Sheets are traditionally fastened using a sheet bend knot. http://www.layhands.com/Knots/Knots_Bends.htm#SheetBend This same knot is used to splice piano strings, and, in spite of the criticism you will see as to strength and grip, is ample when the strain is steady, as it is in our use. -- Dana Emery To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
