The Chain Sinnet (Monkey Braid)

More details about the The Chain Sinnet (Monkey Braid)

The Chain Sinnet Knot

Uses: The Chain Sinnet (ABOK # 2868, p 472) is tied by many of us as children. It turns a piece of string into a pleasing chain. And, when pulled, all of the knots vanish as if by magic. It is found on dress uniforms; it can be used to shorten, and add bulk to, the end of a light pull; and it is also used by climbers as a means of preventing a rope getting tangled, e.g., when being washed.

Other Names: It is known by many names including: monkey chain, monkey braid, single trumpet braid, single bugle braid, chain stitch, crochet stitch, and chain braid.

Structure: Tie a slip knot in the rope; tuck a bight into the loop; and repeat. The chain is completed by feeding the end through the final bight. The chain is released by withdrawing the end. It has to be the end you used to complete the chain. Withdrawing the other end merely shortens the chain by one link.

Alternatives. The animation above shows a chain which has been pulled tight at each link. When used for storing rope, it is much quicker to make much larger loops (Picture on right)

Disadvantages: Although it may useful when washing a rope in a washing machine, it iwould be a tedious method to use to "coil" a long rope. The conventional Coiling Technique is to be preferred.

Advantages: The Chain Sinnet requires minimal skill or dexterity!