How to Tie the Tsuka-Ito
- 1). Fold your ito wrap in half.
- 2). Push the middle of the ito wrap against the bottom of the hilt. Start with the side of the hilt that will face away from your body when it is worn against the hip.
- 3). Flip the sword over, keeping the middle of the wrap pressed against the hilt. Grab one end of the ito wrap and twist it all the way around the hilt. Hold the twisted wrap in place lightly while you repeat this step with the other end of the ito wrap. You should have a tight "X" shape where the two ends of the wrap overlap.
- 4). Continue winding the wrap around the hilt in complete circles. Start with the opposite end of the ito wrap each time you begin a new rotation. Thus, if you started with the left end of the ito wrap for the first "X," start with the right end of the ito wrap for the second "X."
- 5). Push each "X" shape" tightly against the loop beneath it. Try to keep a uniform distance between each section of the wrap. The spaces between the "X" sections will create the distinctive diamond shape that is commonly seen in Tsuka-ito.
- 6). Create a firm knot when you reach the end of the hilt. There are many knots that are traditionally used, but any kind of knot will work for the sake of binding the hilt.
- 7). Cut any excess length from the ito wrap using your scissors. When you are satisfied with the appearance of the wrapping, apply a few drops of glue to the knot to permanently secure it.
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