In this tutorial I show the three basic ways of “spiral hitching” paracord.
To be clear, by spiral hitching I refer to the spiral wraps that we make using hitches. These wraps all belong under the technique called ringbolt hitching, also called coxcombing.
The techniques are used to create various wraps for handles, but can be used to wrap many different objects. Traditionally they were used to wrap parts of the ship to pass the time, while also providing much needed grip.
These wraps will come in handy for wrapping walking sticks, rowing paddles, parts of a boat. Mixing them up can be quite fun and will provide a nice look to the object you are decorating.
This article will cover the following:
- the single spiral hitch (also called the French coxcomb)
- the half moku, which is basically two French coxbombs, each running to one side until it reaches the side, at which point it reverses back to the middle
- the full moku, which does not reverse when it reaches the sides
The basics
Hitches form a spiral when you repeat them on the same side of the object you are wrapping. This means that you make a loop on the same side each time, then pass the working end behind the object and through the loop. To tighten a hitch I suggest you pull the cord to the left and right firmly.
The examples below are shown using paracord 550, but can work with many types of rope.
Usually you will need to tie a knot at the beginning of the hitching so the cord will not move. For a temporary tie, the clove hitch will do just fine, for a decorative wrap you intend to use, I suggest a turk’s head knot.
The spiral hitch- French coxcomb

The classic spiral hitch, the French coxcomb.
The single spiral hitch is done by simply repeating the same hitch.
A video tutorial:
The half Moku

The half Moku reverses direction of the hitching when it reaches the side of the object you are wrapping.
Tutorial:
The full Moku

The full Moku does not reverse the direction of the hitches. It keeps spiraling on and on.
The full Moku is simply two spiral hitches running, each to their own side. They spiral around the object and cross in the back and in the front.
Tutorial: