Multi-Color Monkey Fist

This multi-colored monkey's fist I discovered while trying to find out a way to remove flaws in the original monkey's fist when making turns from one direction to the next. I realized by cutting the cord it enabled me to use different colors and take out the flaw. In the next step I added a diagram on how to create the original monkey's fist for those that may be attempting this for the first time and want to see the difference between mine and the original.

Step 1: The Original Monkey's Fist

here you can see an illustration of a monkey's fist done all with one string. It was used originally as a heaving line for sailors.
This one we will create is more for decorative purposes.

Step 2: Things You Need

Here, I have 3 pieces of para-cord, you may use rope or any knotting cord. Dice for the core of the monkey's fist. Pic or a pointed tool to help negotiate the material.

Step 3: Creating Your Monkey's Fist Tool

This home made tool will aid you in tying a monkey's fist. It is easily made by cutting a wire clothes hanger with a pair of wire cutters and bending it into a "U" shape as shown in this picture.

Step 4: Begin Wrapping Cord

Now we can begin to start the monkeys fist. Start by holding a piece of cord as shown below as you begin to wrap the paracord around the tool you just made.

Step 5: 1st Wrap

Now you will make four complete turns making sure all sides have 4 strands before continuing to the next step.

Step 6: Starting the Second Wrap

Now you will begin making the next wrap of color making your way around the gray with the orange as shown. Again making 4 complete rounds and making sure that each side have 4 strands showing.

Step 7: Second Wrap Completed

here you see the second layer taking shape after you have made your rounds.

Step 8: Final Wrap and Core Placement

Now you will start with the final strands looping over and under the orange feeding the cord as you make 4 more rotations. before you completely finish the final strands slip in your core. This time I'm using dice as the core.

Step 9: Begin to Tighten

In this step you will begin to tighten the cord. You will pull slack to work with and begin working the slack out of the line toward the other end of the blue cord. Remember, don't pull the cord too tight at first, your goal here is to only gradually snug up the cord one color at a time in a rotation while attempting to keep the other colors in mind by keeping the strands in shape and order. As you get the knot tighter, this is where the pic comes in handy, helping pull the cord. I know it sounds confusing and complicated, but the more of them you do the faster and better you get the hang of it. "ANY THING WORTH HAVING TAKES TIME TO ATTAIN".

"ALSO, DON'T FORGET... YOU MUST GRADUALLY TIGHTEN EACH COLOR AND REPEAT THE PROCESS TO AVOID OVER TIGHTENING. IF YOU OVER TIGHTEN, IT WILL RESULT IN YOUR OTHER CORD TO DISFIGURE AND GET OUT OF ORDER."

Step 10: Snug As a Bug

Now that you have the knot snug as I do here, you will start to cut and tuck .

Step 11: Cut and Tuck

As illustrated, you can see that I have cut the blue cord and push the pic through on the opposite side to recess the cut end, to conceal it. HERE I USUALLY CUT ALL BUT THE LONGEST CORD AND USE IT TO TIE INTO A KNOT TO BE USED FOR A KEY CHAIN."

Finishing: you may also add a touch of glue at the recessed cuts to keep it from moving, I have experimented with wetting the cord and letting it dry which also seems to tighten the cord even more. If you use water don't use it after just applying the glue, it will create a white pasty color and ruin the hidden effect. You can use the water technique and after drying use the water. I have mad them without using glue or water and they seem to last without coming undone.

Comments

[Grifter]

Cool. I'm a fan of the coat hanger fist maker (C.H.F.M.). pronounced: Chuffum

[TerryR99]

made jig out of old Weiner roasting fork and loved your instructable easy to follow gr8 job, my fob is orange white black & jig is holding it up

[bizshop]

Please post how to make a CHFM

[sokamiwohali]

Refer to step 3... :)

[neuginterry1978]

How long are paracord strands

[billy joe 3333]

how do u conceal where u cut the other strings

[eatsmorevajayjaythancervicalcancer]

I almost ordered a rig to do this for me until I found this article. You just save me like eight bucks, thank you!!

[CustodialCrayon]

Awesome tutorial, finally made my first monkey fist. Thanks!

[GeoSlash99]

I usually use about 5 feet for a normal, single strand monkey fist, but you didn't specify how much of each three colors you used! >.< Can you please let me know? Thanks, and aside from that, great tutorial!

[funsize07]

do you have to use a die or marble or something or can you do it without one?

[TripWir3]

You don't have to, however it would require large rope or cord. Traditionally, the monkey fist was tied without any center at the end of a rope aboard a ship to cast line from ship to ship or shore.

[slaveboy2000]

do you lose the die?

[jbmcck]

Yes the dice stays inside as a core!

[BLUEBLOBS2]

This looks AMAZING!
-BLUEBLOBS2

[applesaucemodifier]

This is brilliant! I once made a monkey fist with a bowling ball in the center and I used a jig made out of 2 by 4's, it never occurred to me to scale it down for small fists.

[Stryker Perry 13]

great instuctions i made this i call it a monkeys fist holing a cobra

[blueblobbs]

Thats amazing, it looks awesome.
-blueblobbs

[Sting2373]

I have one of these I bought while living close to Ft. Campbell Ky. I have never been in the army and was always curious how they were made. Thanks for this...I do have some cord so I might just try it myself.

[mary candy]

I'm going to make a new one for me :)

[imthatguy1125]

 Heres mine I made with a golf ball in the middle