How to tie a Monkey Fist knot

The Monkey Fist knot has a long history since 1800's, in this guide I will show how to make it using a marble inside the knot.
Step-1 Many objects could be used inside the knot preferably round or square but I chose to use a marble. The marble is light weight and you can get it in different sizes.

Step-2 I recommand using some sort of pointy object I chose my nail punch. Once the knot is finished the pointy object will aid you when pulling the cord to tighten the knot around the marble.

Step-6 Insert the marble in the center of the knot.

Step-12 I made a diamond knot and snake stitch but any type of finishing could be applied.
The first few attempts could go wrong - this knot needs a LOT of patience so take your time and especially the final tightening part, do it slowly and you will get a cool Monkey's fist.
In the second guide I am just showing another method of holding the cord between the fingers. It is convenient way for small marbles.

I was just thinking that not everyone finds it easy making the monkey fist knot between 2 fingers so I made this DIY aid I call it the "easy monkey's fist". All that is needed is to wrap the cord correctly in the monkey fist knot then take it off and tighten it.

It's made from scrap timber (L-shape screwed together) and 4" nails. I drilled nail sized diameter holes so the nails could be removed / pulled out easily. The small gap on the base is for holding the start cord and 3 screws (optional) to fix it to a solid base.

I tried it my self a few times and it only took me a few minutes to make a perfect monkey's fist.

Just remember, do it slowly dont pull to hard on the first few tightenings.

I found today some 8mm cord and made a giant monkey fist using golf ball and tennis ball as core.

5 - Color Key Fob (Crown Knot)

This key fob contains 5 colors and is similar to the 3 color one.
Step-3 is the most important, a bit of patience and you will master it.
Step-5 and 6 are the same just showing 2 different ways of inserting the inner cord.
The first option is to slide the inner cord into the first knot, the second option is to clip it with all the other cords then start the first knot around it.
Step-10 The clip can be removed, fuse all the loose edges and make some type of knot.

3 - color Key Fob (Crown Knot)

3-Color Crown Knot is easy to master in a few steps and the finished product is very pleasing to the eye. As many viewer can see I usually use the same colors because it is easier to see the guide in bright colors.
This type of knot is like the square knot it can be used as a key fob, lanyard etc. I used a plastic kitchen clip to hold the paracord for the first few knots any other method could be used also.
Step-3 Insert the inner paracord from step 1 into the first knot and tight it. Make another knot, tight it again then open the plastic clip and insert the black inner cord. Keep on with the knots.
Step-9 Cut the edges and fuse them with a lighter.
step-10 Release the plastic clip and fuse the 3 cord ends.
Step-11 Create a simple knot or decorative one.

Junior Lanyard (square knot zipper pull)

I made a few small (square knot zipper pull) lanyards for my gym bag.

Paracord (square knot)

Square Paracord knot is ideal for key fob or to hold swipe cards, mobiles, zipper pull etc'.

I used it around my mobile strap and around a metal rod attached to my car key. - ie Rod could be used incase of an emergency to smash window.

In this guide I am showing the steps how to create the square knot.

Step 7- insert the inner cord into the first square knot and tight it around.

Step 13-cut and fuse 2 loose ends.

Step 14- create decorative knot or fuse it.

Diamond knot

The Diamond knot is a nice addition to a lanyard or just as a button for paracord bracelet. I took a few step by step guide photos and marked them with red arrows as the direction of movement. Using paper with 2 holes as the first step is not a must just a convenient method until you master this knot, the same knot can be done by holding the paracord on the palm of the hand and bringing the first cord behind 2 fingers. I used my 8mm paracord for the guide as it's easier to see each step.

Half Hitch - single knot

8mm, Reeve coil knot/Hangman's Noose

This is a very simple knot I made using my 8mm paracord.
I took a few photos if anyone want to give it a try.

Boredom Paracord Projects

Snake Stitch - 2 colors

I decided my tools needed a bit of upgrade. Here is my pin hammer that I custom made after the original wooden handle broke. I welded the hammer head to a bolt and a few nuts for a handle and also made a paracord wrist strap (cobra weave) for working on heights with option of removing it easily by opening the screw. My small spanner was also upgraded to get a better grip.

I took a few photos showing the steps of making a Snake Stitch from 2 colors .

It's important to remember that after finishing step 5 turn the lanyard around as seen in step 6. After step 8 turn it around again for step 9 and so on until the required length is achieved or you run out of paracord.

Step 3 - slide the cord from step 1 into in the center of the loops and tight.
Step 13 - fuse the extra cord with a lighter.
Stage 16 - create a decorative knot or just cut and fuse the end of the cord.