Ropework
French Whipping
DIFFICULTY ●●○○○
A whipping made of consecutive half hitches instead of plain wraps, producing a raised spiral ridge along the surface as it climbs.
Why it earns its place
That spiral ridge is grippy and handsome, which is why it graduated from rope ends to wrapping whole handrails, tiller handles, and knife grips.
Where it fails
Slower than plain wrapping and the spiral must stay consistent — every hitch tied the same direction, snugged the same amount, or the ridge wanders.
Quick facts
| Type | Hitched whipping |
| Texture | Spiral ridge |
| Length | Any — even full rails |
| Best for | Grips, rails, decorative ends |