The Sheet Bend is one of the fundamental knots for joining two ropes. It is featured as the first knot in the Ashley Book of Knots.
In fact, it is one of the first knots people learn to tie in scouts.
It is used to join two ropes of different sizes, materials and rigidities.
That said, it also works well for the equal-diameter ropes.
Plus, it’s easy to tie and even easier to untie.
Let’s check this bend in detail.
How to Tie the Sheet Bend
History: The name “Sheet Bend” comes from its use of joining ropes to sails (sheets). It is mentioned in David Steel’s book Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship (1794). According to Wikipedia, its mentioned that it was used by the Neolithic people for tying fishing nets.
Method 1: The Simple Way
- Make a bight on the thicker rope.
- Pass the working end of the thinner rope through the bight.
- Loop it under the first rope.
- Feed the working end through the bight.
- Pull all ends to tighten the knot.
To Untie, take the load off the joined line, hold the bight by the end and pull the loops in the opposite directions.
Method 2: Trick Method
- Make a Noose knot on the thicker rope.
- Pass the thinner rope through the noose.
- Pull on the running part of the first rope and push on the overhand knot to upset the slip noose. It will pull a bight of the second rope through the overhand loop to form the sheet bend.
- Pull on the standing parts of each rope.
This method is mentioned in ABoK #2562.
PRO TIP
I have seen people tie something similar and call it a Sheet Bend.
To confirm that you’ve tied a proper Sheet Bend, verify that the two free ends are on the same side of the bend.
If they are on the opposite side, you have tied the Left-hand Sheet Bend (ABoK #1432).
It’ll still work, but it’s not as secure.
Need More Security?
If you are working with ropes of different sizes or need more security, tie the Double Sheet Bend.
It is not the strongest but most secure than the regular Sheet Bend.
To tie this bend, pass the thinner rope around the bight two times.
The additional turn provides an extra grip that prevents the rope from slipping.
If you need something that is even more strong, try the Double Fisherman’s Knot.
It is used for joining two ends of a line to form a Prusik loop and is a reliable knot for joining the two climbing ropes.
But, here’s the thing: it is difficult to untie this knot once the load is applied.
So, it’s better to use this knot in situations where you don’t plan to untie the knot anytime soon.
Related Knots
Weaver’s Knot
The Weakver’s knot (ABoK #485) is closely related to the Sheet Bend. In fact, it’s just a different method of tying the Sheet Bend.
It’s been traditionally used in the textile mills to join broken threads on a loom.
Nowadays, it is mostly used by weavers to join light twines and yarn together.
- Cross the rope one over the other.
- Pass the bight around the left rope.
- Feed the right rope through the loop as indicated in the slide.
- Pull ends to tighten the knot.
Note: This knot is usually tied on hand. It is shown differently here just for the animation.
Becket Hitch
The Becket Hitch (ABoK #1900) has the same form as the Sheet Bend but is used to tie a rope to an eye splice or hook.
So, instead of joining two ropes together, the Becket Hitch connects a rope to a Becket.
Variations
Slipped Sheet Bend (ABoK #1437)
The Slipped Sheet Bend allows you to untie the knot fast even when the ropes are under a load.
Just pull the working end and the knot will come apart easily.
However, I don’t recommend this knot for critical applications.
Tucked Sheet Bend (Sheet Bend One Way)
The Tucked Sheet Bend ( ABoK #1436) provides extra reliability when joining ropes that might be used for dragging the rope along the ground or towing something.
A quick note: make sure the working ends point the same way as the rope being pulled so that it is less likely to snag on an obstruction.
Applications and Uses
- Join two ropes of different sizes
- Making nets like climbing nets or cargo nets
- Used for making decorative knots
- Tying down tarps or corners of poncho
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie
- Works with different-sized ropes
- Easy to untie
Cons
- Can come loose under load
- Not strong option for heavy load
Can I Use a Square Knot for a Sheet Bend?
You would be surprised how many people join the ropes together using the Square Knot (Reef Knot).
Why not just use the Square Knot?
It is one of the most common questions I get.
Here’s the thing: the Square Knot does not simply bind the two ropes together like you’d think.
It does not form a secure bend.
Yes, it works great for tying parcels and packages, but when you try to join the ropes especially of different diameters—it slips apart.
On the other hand, the Sheet Bend is designed for this exact job.
In fact, it is commonly taught in scouting specifically for joining two ropes.
Which knots do you use to join ropes? Tell us in the comments below.
