Monkey Fist Knot
The Monkey Fist Knot, or Sailor’s Knot had its origins in the maritime world, where it was tied with a weight in the center and swung around by a sailor to build up momentum until it was released to the linesman ashore. The attending linesman pulled in the line and the attached hawser (heavy mooring line) and secured the hawser to a cleat or bollard on the jetty. The knot is so named because it looks somewhat like the small bunched fist of a monkey.
The use of the monkey fist assisted in the passing of heavy lines from the ship to the jetty with greater ease and accuracy during the mooring process or from ship to ship. It is still used in this way today.
When using tug boats, such heaving lines are also thrown from the ship to a tug to be picked up by the tug’s crew and pulled in to secure the towing wire to the tug.
This ornamental knot can be found in sizes large and small depending on the thickness of the cord used and the number of wraps made.
From key chains to door stopper weights to jacket zippers, there are a variety of uses for this simple, elegant knot and a variety of colored cords to choose from.
Lately, John McMillan has cleverly refined the creation of a very small Monkey Fist Knot that is quite suitable for elegant jewelry, such as neclaces, ear rings, and ear studs.
Monkey Fist Knot Neclaces
Teal green leather cord knotted around glass bead centers. Overall length: 19″. Knot diameter: 3/8″. Magnetic clasp. Total knotted beads: 50. Not for sale.
Tan leather cord knotted around glass bead centers. Overall length: 19-3/4″. Knot diameter: 3/8″. Knotted bead is spaced with 1/4″ diameter walnut beads. Magnetic clasp. Total knotted beads: 31. $112.00.
Wood-colored leather cord knotted around glass bead centers. Overall length: 19″. Knot diameter: 3/8″. Knotted bead is spaced with 1/4″ diameter maple beads. Magnetic clasp. Total knotted beads: 30. $112.
Monkey Fist Knot Ear Rings and Studs
Above are samples of the teal green and magenta leather cord knotted around glass bead centers for ear rings and studs. Knot diameters: 3/8″. Sterling silver findings. $25 each set.
Other Monkey Fist Creations
Two other Monkey Fist creations are shown here. The classic maritime bell pull (at left) is secured to the end of the bell clapper. Monkey Fist knot is approximately 1-1/4″ in diameter. The Monkey Fist drawer or cabinet pulls (at right) are fitted with screws for securing to drawer or cabinet fronts. Monkey Fist knot is approximately 1-1/4″ in diameter. $30 per pull. Below is John making these drawer pulls for a customer.
