Name:

Munter Hitch, Italian hitch, mezzo barcaiolo or the crossing hitch

The name munter hitch is often mistakenly used in Shibari to refer to a friction called a no-dome. While both knots start in the same way, the direction of the final part of the tie is different as is the use of the two frictions.

Type:

Friction

Use:

In Shibari the munter hitch it is used to tie suspension lines to a hard-point.

Additional knots are needed to secure a munter hitch (normally half hitches are used after the munter hitch).  Suspension should only be practiced by people who have received proper instruction by someone with suitable knowledgable. 

The Munter Hitch is used in climbing to create friction in a line so that someone can be slowly and safely lowered.

 

Tutorial

1. Having tied of the rope securely to the person, take the working end of the rope over your suspension point.

2. Bring the working end back to its tie of point and pass it through a secure point. Then take your rope back over the suspension point. It is important that the ropes are under equil tension so that they share the weight of the load.

3. Bring the working end across infront of the wraps pulling tightly.

 

5. Bring the working end under the rear of the suspension point, and back down the front of it.  This completes the munter hitch. This will only hold as long as tension is applied to the working end of the rope. To secure the line some half-hitches can be used. 

Munter hitch secured with a half-hitch and a slipped half hitch: