I got tired to feeling cold metal in my hands when sailing early and late in the season. I also wanted to be able to tell the rudder position by feel and confirm that rudder position was centered, 3 degrees port and 3 degrees starboard. The 3 degrees is the recommended weather helm so remember the wind blows the knots over
I took 4-50 foot rolls of 1/4 white nylon cloths line (from home depot) and tied French knots (simple overhand knot) over and over and over..... about 2-6 packs of beer in two sessions. The spokes are problematical and you will, no doubt, have to do the first one over to get it right. My advice is to not move to the other side of the spoke until the outside wrap of the line is past the center line of the spoke.
After centering the wheel tie a turks head knot at the top of the wheel. Yes there is a steep learning curve with this knot but the other four are quite easy. Turn the wheel till the autopilot indicated a rudder angle of 3 degrees port or starboard and tie two turks head knot in a contrasting material at the top of the helm. I used a leather thong. Turn the wheel to the other side 3 degrees and tie two turks head knots side by side.
This is a real boon when it turns cool, at night and to confirm that the boat has a balanced sail plan.
Looks nice too.
Clean with bleach water and a soft scrub brush.