Rope unravels if the ends are left unsealed. New ropes typically have sealed ends, but they may come undone as you use the rope. Cutting the rope also leaves behind an unsealed rope end, which eventually leads to fraying and ruins the rope. Whipping seals the rope securely. When done properly, the whipped ends remain compact and the rope doesn't come unwound. Inspect your ropes before each use and redo any loose whipping so your ropes remain useful for a long time.
Cut a 12-inch length from thin twine. Use heavy thread if twine isn't available.
Make a 1-inch loop in one end of the twine. Position the loop along the end inch on the rope, laying the loop parallel to the rope. Hold the loop in place with your thumb and grasp the remaining long end of the twine with your other hand.
Wrap the long end of the twine tightly around the rope end, covering the loop as you wrap. Avoid overlapping the twine as you wrap. Wrap until only the top of the loop is still visible near the end of the rope.
Insert the end of the twine through the remaining loop. One end of twine is at the end of the rope and the other end of the twine is located where you began wrapping.
Grab each end of the twine and pull them in opposite directions. The loop pulls beneath the twine wrapping as you pull.
Trim off the ends of the twine flush with the wrapping. Wrap the other end of the rope using the same method.
Tip
Nylon ropes melt when exposed to flames. Seal the ends of these ropes by whipping or by heating them with a lighter to melt and seal the rope ends.