http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

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Monkey's Fist Tablecloth Weightsby keremulu on January 7, 2015

Table of Contents

Monkey's Fist Tablecloth Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro:   Monkey's Fist Tablecloth Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1:   Finding a weight to put in the center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 2:   What kind of rope? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 3:   Use a jig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 4:   Tying the knot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 5:   Start fastening the slack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Step 6:   Cut it off from the reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Step 7:   Make a loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Step 8:   Making an eye splice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Step 9:   Attaching the thimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Step 10:   Tie a common whipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Step 11:   Attach a crocodile clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Step 12:   All four complete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Step 13:   Attach them onto a tablecloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Intro:  Monkey's Fist Tablecloth WeightsStrong gusts and wind bursts can be a nuisance on nice summer picnics or outdoor entertainments. One easy and elegant solution is to hang weights along the edge ofa tablecloth to keep it intact. Here is how to use a monkey's fist knot to make decorative weights for a tablecloth.

The origin of the monkey's fist knot is as a heaving line knot used on ships of sail of yesteryear, where it was tied with a weight in the center to allow sailors on a boat tothrow their rope to people at the dock with greater accuracy. The monkey's fist was attached to the end of a light weight line or rope and thrown to its destination. Thislight rope with weighted knot on the end replaced the larger and heavier lines which often took more time to accurately pass to their destination.

However, the knot is now more popular as a decorative knot and can be found in sizes small to large: from key fobs to door stopper weights. The size of the knot isdependent on the thickness of the rope in which it is tied and the number of turns made. Often a spherical object such as a golf ball, marble, or tennis ball is used in thecenter of the knot to help attain a more perfect round shape and give the knot weight when used for decoration. Now the monkey's fist has worked it's way into everydaylife by aiding people of all ages and professions. The monkey's fist as a keychain makes it convenient to drop car keys or other objects into a pocket, purse, etc whileleaving the knot dangling over the side for easy access. They work great as a zipper pull on bags or backpacks for easy grip. Monkey's fist knots have also proved to bewonderful to use when making pull toys for dogs or catnip treat toys for cats.

Alternately, a stopper knot tie at the end of the working end and tucked inside the knot prior to tightening works well. Both ends of the rope can be tucked inside the knotupon completion or they can both be left long and tied together. This knot may take several attempts through trial and error to get a nice perfectly round and tight fittingknot.

Step 1: Finding a weight to put in the centerIn the past it was not uncommon for seafarers to weight monkey’s fists fitted to the end of heaving lines with pieces of scrap metal or sand, or to attach a heavy itemsuch as a shackle, so that the line would travel a greater distance when thrown. This practice is no longer accepted as it increases the risk of serious injury if a linesman,shore worker or a crew member aboard a tug or mooring boat is struck by such an object during mooring operations, or if the weighted end hits a member of the vessel’smooring party when the heaving line is thrown back. The United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) publication “Code of Safe Working Practices forMerchant Seamen”, Section 25.3.2, states that “Vessel’s heaving lines should be constructed with a “monkey’s fist” at one end. To prevent personal injury, the “fist”should be made only with rope and should not contain added weighting material”.

Since the knots we are dealing with are solely for decoration purposes and their weight is a major determinant for preventing the tablecloth from flying off the table, we willhave use a spherical object to attain a nice round shape and heaviness.

I made many monkey's fists with beech wood balls I used to buy from the local DIY store nearby. However, on one occasion I spotted some cast iron balls at a local metalsmith's shop doing ornamental railings and welding. I bought four of these for 5$, they are 40 mm in diameter (approximately 1.5 inches). I've found out by trial and errorthat 35-40 mm balls give adequately shaped monkey's fists, suitable for tablecloth weights.

Alternatively, tennis balls, golf balls or marbles could also be used.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 2: What kind of rope?You can use any kind of rope to your liking; I've experimented with paracord, single or double braid polyester sailboat lines, natural hemp, manila, nylon and sisal. Eachone has different appearances and characteristics, giving beautiful examples of monkey's fist knots.

For this project, I got this three strand, 6 mm nylon rope of 20 meters for 9$.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 3: Use a jigThis instructable is not about how to make a monkey's fist; there are many good web sites with animated step-by-step instructions showing how to tie one,

http://www.animatedknots.com/monkeysfist

http://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/monkeys-fist

to name a few. Still, I would like to show how I did it with the help of simple jig. This one is made by driving four nails into a piece of scrap wood, each beingapproximately five inches long. This jig could be further elaborated by using wooden dowel pins instead of nails, but despite the nail heads making the removal of therope a little difficult; it works fine.

The tricky part is determining the number of coils you have to wrap around the ball. This is actually a trial and error exercise. For a 40 mm ball, five lassos of of 6 mmrope works fine. The rope should make just enough revolutions to cover the entire surface of the object, but shouldn't get crimped or overlap on each other.

Step 4: Tying the knotOnce you start the knot, there will be a certain step where you will have to place the weight in the center. Slip the ball inside and proceed tying the fist. Pay attention notto make it too snug and tight around the nails, since it would be difficult to remove the rope from the jig. When all the coils are complete, slip the knot off from the nails.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 5: Start fastening the slackStart tightening the knot by giving all the excess line to the reel. When you can't tighten it any further, use a pair of nose pliers, they come in extremely handy. Whenyou're done with it, the knot should be taut and solid. You will understand why these where used as weapons in street and tavern fights during the 19th century. A knotlike this bearing an iron or brass ball inside would be perfectly capable of cracking your opponent's skull during a brawl.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 6: Cut it off from the reelOnce the knot is finished, one end of the line will be hidden under the lassos. If done correctly, it should be undetectable. he other end will the attached to the reel.Measure a length of around 15 or 20 centimeters from the surface of the ball and cut the rope.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 7: Make a loopApply some glue right on the spot where the rope is protruding from the knot, then tuck the other end in with a screwdriver. You may heat seal the end of the rope with alighter, if desired.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 8: Making an eye spliceAs you can see in the end product, I used a galvanized steel thimble for the eye splice. Thimbles can give better wear resistance and will hold their shape when soft eyegenerally won't. Thimbles are a set size so there is no room to adjust the size. Naturally, I used it to attain a nautical appearance here; the rope wouldn't be subject to anyhard wear at all.

Thimbles vary according to the width of the rope. As you can see from the package, the one I used was suitable for a 5 millimeter line, but fit snugly on this 6 millimeterrope as well.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 9: Attaching the thimbleTo make sure the thimble doesn't fall off, apply glue to the mating surfaces of the rope and stick it together. Use a clamp or clothespins to apply pressure.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Image Notes1. apply glue to the mating surfaces of the rope

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 10: Tie a common whippingNext, we will tie a common whipping around the neck of the loop. The common whipping is the classic simple whipping and can be tied with no needle. With a littlepractice, and the appropriate size of whipping twine, it creates a very neat appearance with no visible ends. Again, there are many sites with step by step instructionsshowing a how to tie one.

http://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/common-whipping

http://www.survivalworld.com/knots/common-whipping...

Choose a color for the twine you would like to wrap around the neck of the loop. Lay the the twine along the rope and make a bight back along the rope. Begin wrappingthe twine around the rope and bight of twine securely. Wrap until the whipping reaches the thimble. Run the working end of the twine through the bight. Carefully pull onthe standing end of the twine until the bight and working end are pulled under the whipping. When the final end is inserted into this bight, care must be taken to pull thebight only half way into the whipping. If pulled completely through by mistake, then the original end just unwraps. Cut the twine flush with the edges of the whipping togive the rope end a finished look.

Image Notes1. Lay the the twine along the rope and make a bight back along the rope.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Image Notes1. Begin wrapping the twine around the rope and bight of twine securely.

Image Notes1. Wrap until the whipping reaches the base

Image Notes1. Run the working end of the twine through the bight

Image Notes1. Carefully pull on the standing end of the twine until the bight and working endare pulled under the whipping. When the final end is inserted into this bight, caremust be taken to pull the bight only half way into the whipping. If pulled completelythrough by mistake, then the original end just unwraps

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Image Notes1. Cut the twine flush with the edges of the whipping to give the rope end afinished look.

Image Notes1. Cut the twine flush with the edges of the whipping to give the rope end afinished look

Step 11: Attach a crocodile clipYou should be able to find these crocodile clips at fabric stores, particularly those that specialize in curtaining. I used an IKEA riktig set for this. A package containing 24clips costs 2.99$, which is enough for 6 sets of weights.

You will have to twist the hook slightly open with a pair of nose pliers so that the gap would be enough to pass the eye splice in. Once the hook is through, squeeze itgently to close the gap.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

Step 12: All four completeOut of curiosity, I weighed the set of knots on a kitchen scale. With an impressive 1,25 kilograms, I doubt whether there would be a gale strong enough to blow the sheetoff from the table these weights are attached to!

Step 13: Attach them onto a tableclothAnd here you are a set of very nautical tablecloth weights.

Hope you enjoyed it.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Monkeys-Fist-Tablecloth-Weights/

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Comments

3 comments Add Comment

 Captain MacTavish says:  Jan 15, 2015. 3:41 PM  REPLYYou should put the weights on the other side of the fabric if you dont want them seen

 peppypickle says:  Jan 15, 2015. 3:04 PM  REPLYbeautifully done! and such a clever idea, perfect for those gusty winds - saving the tablecloth from getting BBQ sauce all over it! How long does it take tomake a set of four?

 keremulu says:  Jan 15, 2015. 3:12 PM  REPLYMany thanks for the nice comment. I remember back when I first started making monkey's fist knots, it would take approximately an hour to make one,and despite all my efforts the shape would still be lousy . Now I've sped up quite a bit, I finished this whole set (including the whipping and gluing) inapproximately three hours.