Worming is the first step in protecting traditional laid rigging from chafe and water intrusion. A rigger winds small stuff, like marline or spun yarn, tightly into the contlines (the spiral valleys) of a heavy rope to create a smooth, cylindrical surface. This prepares the rope for the subsequent steps of parcelling (wrapping with canvas) and serving (binding tightly with twine).
Heard on the job
We need to worm, parcel, and serve these new shrouds before stepping the mast.
Insider tip
The traditional rigger's rhyme dictates the order: 'Worm and parcel with the lay, turn and serve the other way.'