I’ve gotten into knots lately. Below are the knots I’ve learned so far. (Most videos are from the excellent Animated Knots website.)
Terminology
- Working (or “bitter”) end: the part active in knot tying. (Fun fact: this is the where the term “to the bitter end” comes from.)
- Standing end: the part not active in knot tying. Opposite of the working end.
- Bight: a length of rope that does not cross itself. For example, the first part of a sheet bend. It can also mean the center part of a rope.
- Loop knot: a knot with a fixed loop size. In other words, the loop is not adjustable. For example, the bowline is a popular loop knot.
- Hitch: a knot that attaches a rope to another object. For example, the midshipman’s hitch. A hitch is similar to a loop knot, but with an adjustable loop.
- Lashing: used to secure two or more items together.
- Stopper knot: a knot that prevents a rope from slipping. The simplest stopper knot is the overhand knot.
Square knot
What it’s for: tying down packages (especially boxes of cakes!) and first aid. I prefer the cakes.
The square knot is also useful for macramé (which my wife excels at); it’s also the first part of tying your shoes (which I don’t excel at).
How to do it:
https://youtu.be/0Y_iorha2k4?t=6
Bowline (pronounced “bo - lin”)
What it’s for: creating a loop on one end, which can be used to dock a boat or rescue someone.
How to do it:
https://youtu.be/YXRnPES0Qec?t=6
Sheet bend
What it’s for: tying two equal (or unequal) sized ropes together.
How to do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsj7riFkulE&t=7s&ab_channel=AnimatedKnots
Midshipman’s hitch (aka taut line hitch)
What it’s for: creating an adjustable loop at one end. Great for securing boats.
How to do it:
https://youtu.be/5SiMoqbxxOo?t=27
Overhand knot
What it’s for: tying the end of a rope—which prevents fraying—or as a stopper.
How to do it:
https://youtu.be/I0ShGbIR0ZI?t=6
Alpine butterfly loop
What it’s for: tying a loop in the middle of a rope. This can be useful if one side of the rope is damaged or if the ends are currently in use.
How to do it:
https://youtu.be/gX1dWKg6Ttc?t=6
Anchor hitch (aka fisherman’s hitch)
What it’s for: securing rope to an anchor, ring, or another line. Great for climbing. This is a very secure knot and is a better alternative to the clove hitch.
How to do it:
https://youtu.be/gqgz4P1tMzw?t=6
Blake’s hitch
What it’s for: securing one line to another, with the first line sliding up and down the other. Great for rock climbers.
How to do it:
https://youtu.be/fXpuKxvIZa0?t=6
Notes:
- At the beginning, keep your thumb on the rope for the first two loops. This makes it easier to add the hitch at the end.
- The end should be much longer than what’s shown in the video.
- For extra security, add a stopper—such as the double overhand knot—to the end.
- The final threading goes behind the red rope.
Figure-eight
What it’s for: Serves as the beginning of the double figure-eight (see next knot below) to attach yourself to a harness for rock climbing. It can also be used as a stopper knot (but not as secure as a double overhand).
How to do it:
https://youtu.be/EtzeIQjcKEs?t=6
Notes:
- Start with slightly more than an arm’s length (for attaching yourself to a harness; otherwise, use whatever length is needed).
- Make a bight.
- Twist it to the right twice.
- Run the working end through the front of the loop.
Double figure-eight into a harness
What it’s for: securing a line into your harness; it’s what ties you to end of the rope. A must-know for rock climbers.
How to do it: