How to tie Monkey's Fist Knot

A heaving line knot, the Monkey's Fist Knot was used in the past on sailing ships. Today, it is used in different sizes and even for decorative purposes. In practical applications, the size of this knot depends on the thickness of the rope and the number of turns.  It is one of the most commonly used knots in pairs for cufflinks. In such cases, it is referred to as a silk knot.

The steps involved in tying this knot are as following:

• Take the rope and create 3 wraps around your fingers.
• Hold these turns in their place; create 3 more turns outside the middle section of the 3 initial turns.
• Pass the working end around the initial turns. This will set up the working end of the rope.
• Create 3 turns around the wraps, passing through the knot.
• Insert a round object into the wraps or tuck in the standing end with a stopper knot. Tighten all the wraps individually and slowly. It is important not to pull hard at the initial wraps.

Usually, some spherical object is inserted at the center of these fly fishing knots to help achieve the rounder shape. This will also give it some weight. All the coiled rope already makes the knot heavy, which further makes it easier to throw. You can also create a stopper knot tie at the end of the rope and tuck it inside before tightening the wraps.fly fishing knots to help achieve the rounder shape. This will also give it some weight. All the coiled rope already makes the knot heavy, which further makes it easier to throw. You can also create a stopper knot tie at the end of the rope and tuck it inside before tightening the wraps.

Applications

The Monkey's Fist Knot could be used at two ends of the tow lines and the fish net can then be thrown to the other trawlers. This will allow the net to be cast between the two boats. Thus, the knot helps make it easier to catch fish by increasing the surface area between the boats for catching missed fish. The monkey fist has also been widely used as a weight of a heaving line for throwing to other ships to help bring the two vessels closer.

This knot has been used as a lifeline for throwing from one vessel to another. Over the centuries, this application has helped it become a symbol of safety among many boating communities. The technique can also be used for creating a floating knot by tying it around cork.