How to Tie a Monkey Fist Step by Step

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Written Instructions — Monkey Fist

Three vertical wraps Make 3 wraps around your fingers or a core object, leaving a long tail.
Three horizontal wraps Wrap 3 times around the outside of the vertical wraps, perpendicular to them.
Third set through first set Thread the rope through the center of the first (vertical) wraps and around the horizontal wraps 3 times.
Tighten progressively Chase each strand around the knot 3–4 times, pulling a small amount of slack through each pass.
Final tighten Pull the last slack through and firm up the ball shape.

Using a marble, small ball bearing, or balled-up foil as a core makes the monkey fist much easier to tighten and produces a better shape.
Go slowly during tightening — rushing creates lumps that can't be fixed.
Work your way around the knot pulling each strand incrementally rather than trying to pull all at once.
The finished monkey fist should be perfectly round and firm with no visible gaps between strands.