Coxcombing

Coxcombing is a decorative knotwork performed by sailors. The general purpose to dress-up items and parts of ships and boats during the age of sail.

Modern uses are to wrap boat tillers and ships' wheels with small diameter line to enhance the grip as well as the nautical appeal.

Knots used in coxcombing include Turk's head knot, Flemish, French whipping, and others.

References

http://www.frayedknotarts.com/wheel.html