Hi Michelnou,
What scale are you working in? My first suggestion would be to use a thinner thread for the ratlines. On my 1:72 Victory I actually used a single thread off the spool (diameter about .009") for rattling down. before starting, I coated the thread with some diluted (50/50) PA glue and let it dry. This makes the thread stiffer and easier to handle. Dampening the thread again before starting will make it easier to tie the knots, and when it dries the ratline will maintain its "swag", or caternary, to make it look more realistic. Another suggestion is to tighten the clove hitches vertically; use some small tweezers to bring the top and bottom of the knot closer to the center. Note that, if scale allows, the attachment at the first and last shrouds was done by an eye spliced in each end of the ratline, and then lashed to the shroud rather than having a clove hitch at each end.
Keep up the good work,
Ted
