Flemish String Jig Tutorial

Presented By: Aylwin Wyllowe

There are a lot of articles available online about how to make a string jig, and some have better math than others. Making a jig is a pretty simple task however; the goal is to produce a bundle of strings that are slightly staggered at the ends. The string path should make a string that is 16" longer than your desired string length, and the jig can be as fancy or as plain as you like.

Johann's Quick MDF String Jig

Most SCAdians have a scrap of wood and some nails laying around somewhere, and that's all that's needed to get started! Shown here are two different string jigs that were made by the webmasters of this site. The important features are that the pegs on one end should be spaced about half an inch apart, and at the other end, there should be a way to change the overall length of the string path for the size of the string you're making. Other nice features to have are a table of bundle sizes for different weight bows, and a guide for 3" and 8" that will come in handy when you start to put the loops in your string.

String Wound And Ready To Cut

Using the jig is pretty easy, simply tie off the string on the first peg, wind it around the pegs, and tie off the other end.

String Wound With Ends Tied

While the string is still on the jig, I recommend tying a shoot piece of string in the middle to keep the strands in the bundle from shifting on you, and just make it easier to handle in general.

Bundle Center Tied Up

Once it's strung up, cut along the staggered part of the jig and remove the bundle. Some people find it handy to have a groove in the jig to make cutting easier, and opinions vary as to whether to use scissors or a knife, but it really doesn't matter as long as it gets the job done!

Cut the String

Don't forget, your bundle only needs half the number of strands required for your string. In this picture, I was making a string for a 42# longbow, so both bundles will have 6 stands in them, thus the jig is wound up to peg 6.