It would be as well
if a little practice was given at breaking the hemp in the way which
produces good points. Better waste a few yards of hemp than be
compelled to abandon a thread after making only a few stitches with
it.
Gripe the hemp firmly between the thumb and forefinger of the left
hand, leaving about eight or nine inches hanging loosely down; lay
this over the thigh of the right leg, and with the right hand rub it
in a downward direction, which will cause the twisted strand to
loosen. One good stroke should be sufficient; if not, it must be
repeated until the fibers forming the strand are quite loosened. By
holding it close to the end with the right hand, and giving it a jerk
with the left, the fibers will break, and the ends of the strands
formed in this way are placed at a little distance one above another,
which, when twisted, form a smooth, tapering point.
To cast off a thread the proper way is to stand at a distance of about
three feet from the hook previously mentioned, and by holding the end
of the hemp in the left hand, pass it over the hook and bring it down
with the right, then holding with the left and breaking as above. When
sufficient strands to form the thread have been broken off, carefully
examine the points to see that they taper properly, and have no lumps
in them.
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