Decorative Knots
Monkey's Fist
DIFFICULTY ●●●●○
Three interlocking sets of three turns woven around a core, forming a near-perfect sphere of rope. Historically tied to weight the end of a ship's heaving line.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
The most iconic decorative knot afloat: keychains, doorstops, curtain tie-backs, and still the traditional heaving-line weight. Deeply satisfying to tighten into shape.
Where it fails
Working the slack through nine turns evenly is the whole battle — go around the sphere patiently, twice. A marble or wooden ball core makes shaping far easier.
Quick facts
| Type | Weighted sphere |
| Turns | 3 × 3 × 3 |
| Core | Ball recommended |
| Best for | Heaving lines, décor |