Using the Flemish String Jig

This document attempts to explain how to use the Flemish String Jig you built based on the document "Flemish String Jig Construction". It's actually simplier to use the jig than to explain and illustrate how to use it!

It's assumed that you have built the jig and properly located the "right-most" peg/post/nail. It's also assumed you have a supply of B50 Dacron thread of your color choices on hand. Three Rivers Archery Supply sells B-50 Dacron in ¼# (1182') and 1# (4725') spools in seven different colors. You may also be able to purchase the B-50 from your local archery pro-shop (if they make bowstrings). To determine how much B50 you need, use the formula and multiply the Length of Strands value by the number of strands for a given color. Add about 12" to the result to account for the knots and provide a margin of error.

The table below provides the directions for doing the wraps. The diagram to the right of each step is attempting to illustrate what the words are saying. In the diagrams, the B50 is shown loosely going around the posts - this was done for clarity of illustration sake. In actuallity you will be wrapping around the posts providing even tension.

I hope this writeup with its simple diagrams provides adequate instruction on how to use the jig. Let me know via e-mail how helpful (or not!) this was. Good luck and have fun! I know that shooting my bow with a string that I crafted has added to the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of traditional archery.

  • 1. Tie an overhand knot around post A1. From A1, go down and around the outside of B1 (counter clock-wise direction) and over to the end post as shown as the solid line in the figure to the right.
  • 2. Continue wrapping in a counter-clockwise direction and come around posts A1 and B1 as shown as the solid line in the figure to the right.

    This completes one strand.
  • 3. Continue wrapping in a counter-clockwise direction and come around posts A2 and B2 as shown as the solid line in the figure to the right.

    This completes the second strand.

4. . . .

. . .


  • 5. Continue wrapping in a counter-clockwise direction and come around the next pair of AB posts. When you get to the "B" post which is equal to the number of strands you need of this color - tie-off on that post and cut.

    The figure to the right shows stopping and tying on post B7 for a two color, 14 strand Flemish string.
  • 6. Using a very sharp razor blade or pair of scissors, cut through the strands down the center line of the A and B rows. (Shown on the diagram as the bold horizontal line.)

    Grab the loose strands where they all wrap around the right-most peg (the mid-point) to keep them lined up. Wax heavily from this mid-point out to each end.

    When done, you'll have one bundle with "x" number of strands of the proper length. (Twice the distance between posts A1/B1 and the right-most post.