How to Tie the Machard Tresse

The Machard tresse, or Mt, is a type of French Prusik knot used in climbing for abseiling or rappelling. Commonly used as a safety backup, this friction knot is simple to tie but more difficult to master. It is frequently confused with the Machard, the Valdotain or the Valdotain tresse but they are all different knots. The Machard and Machard tresse are tied with a loop of rope while the other two are tied with a length of rope with loops at each end. The Machard tresse adds braids to the Machard, simultaneously making it more secure and harder to perfect.

Things You'll Need

  • Climbing rope, 1/2-inch
  • Dynamic rope, 6-10mm
  • Carabiner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the climbing rope. The Machard tresse can be used for single or double rope techniques.

    • 2

      Take a five foot piece of dynamic rope and create a loop, securing it with a double fisherman's knot.

    • 3

      Place the dynamic rope against the back of the climbing rope with approximately one-third of the loop on the left and two-thirds on the right. The knot should be at either end of the loop.

    • 4

      Wrap the longer end of the loop upwards and clockwise around the climbing rope four times, allowing the fourth wrap to drape across the other three and form an "X" with the left side of the loop. Adjust the wraps so that both ends hang at equal lengths.

    • 5

      Cross the ends in front of the climbing rope, with the end from the bottom (left) crossing over the end from the top (right). Cross the ends behind the rope, with the top end crossing over the bottom end.

    • 6

      Bring the ends of the loops back around to the front of the climbing rope and clip them together with the carabiner.