6 Strand Matthew Walker Knot (MWK6)
By Lazarus
The 6 Strand Matthew Walker Knot (MWK)
The Matthew Walker Knot (MWK) is a versatile and visually appealing knot often used to create a secure connection between a flogger’s handle and its falls. A favorite among rope enthusiasts, the MWK offers stability and elegance when tied correctly. It’s typically one of the first knots tied in projects, serving as a foundation that guides the design of the handle in one direction and the falls in the other.
This tutorial walks you through tying a 6 strand Matthew Walker Knot. While the steps here focus on six strands, the technique applies to any number of strands (four or more). For those new to knot tying, you can also use color-coded paracord to follow the technique more easily—an approach covered in a separate tutorial.
Why Learn the 6 Strand Matthew Walker Knot?
Before we jump into the steps, here’s why the MWK is worth mastering:
- Attractive Design: When tied properly, this knot enhances the aesthetic of any piece.
- Stability: The MWK is highly secure, ensuring your project holds firmly over time.
- Versatility: Its adaptability makes it ideal for a range of functional and decorative uses.
Video
Step by step
For this project I’m using six strands of rope around a solid wooden core. The core is the same diameter as the ropes to so that things lay smoothly and neatly in this hexagonal pattern.
Rope consumption
| Variant | Rope / strand | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Walker Knot (3-Strand) | 3" (7.5 cm) | 0.6" (1.5 cm) |
| Matthew Walker Knot (4-Strand) | 4" (10 cm) | 1" (2.5 cm) |
| Matthew Walker Knot (5-Strand) | 5" (12.5 cm) | 1" (2.5 cm) |
| Matthew Walker Knot (6-Strand) | 6.25" (16 cm) | 1" (2.5 cm) |
| Matthew Walker Knot (7-Strand) | 6.75" (17 cm) | 1.5" (4 cm) |
| Matthew Walker Knot (8-Strand) | 7" (17.5 cm) | 1.5" (4 cm) |
| Matthew Walker Knot (9-Strand) | 7.5" (19 cm) | 1.5" (4 cm) |