How to Tie the 8 Basic Knots in Scouting

Every rank in scouting needs you to show you can tie and use certain knots the right way.

Some knots join two ropes together. Some attach ropes to an object. Others create a loop in the rope.

Here’s what you’ll require to reach the First Class Rank in Scouts.

• Square Knot (Tenderfoot Rank Requirements 3a)
• Two Half Hitches (Tenderfoot Rank Requirements 3b)
• Taut line Hitch (Tenderfoot Rank Requirements 3c)
• Sheet Bend (Second Class Rank 2f)
• Bowline  (Second Class Rank 2g)
• Clove Hitch  (First Class Rank 3b)
• Timber Hitch ( (First Class Rank 3b)
• Square, Diagonal and Shear Lashing (First class Rank 3c )

In this article, I will explain these 8 basic knots in scouting in detail. I’ll also share the practical applications of each one.

8 Basic Knots in Scouting

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick cheat sheet you can save, print, or screenshot.

It covers all the knots in this guide (except the lashings).

Square Knot

The Square knot, also known as the Reef Knot, is one the first knots most scouts learn to tie. 

In fact, it’s part of the Boy Scout joining requirements.

It’s a simple binding knot to secure items together.

The breaking strength of the knot is about 50%, so it should not be used for critical applications.

Pros

• Simple and easy to tie

Cons

• Can Jam
• Can capsize if one of the end is pulled outwards
• Does not work well with ropes of uneven diameter

Best for:

• Wrapping bandages over wounds
• Securing parcels, bundles items or camping gears like the rolled up tent
• Scouting uniforms, awards and badges in Boys and Girls Scouts.

Two Half Hitches

The Two Half Hitches is a simple hitch knot used to secure rope around an object like a tree or a post.

It’s not meant to be used to secure items for a long period of time, but it works well when you need to tie off quickly.

I have used this knot on camping trips to hold the tarps during windy nights.

Pros

• Easy to tie
• Easy to slide and adjust the knot along the rope

Cons

• Can jam and difficult to untie

Best for:

• Securing light loads in vehicles, preferably at the end of the Trucker’s Hitch Knot.
• Securing the line to a ring.
• Securing guylines or tarps to the trees
• Making a clothesline or hanging a banner

Tautline Hitch

The Tautline Hitch is an adjustable loop knot used to maintain tension in the line, especially when securing tents or tarps.

You can slide the hitch up and down the line which helps to keep the line taut without retying the knot.

I use this all the time, even when I’m not camping. I have used this knot to make a backyard shade tarp.

Pros

• Easy to tie and untie
• Easy to adjust tension in the line

Cons

• Can jam under load
• Can loosen over time
• Can slip under tenison and slippery ropes

Best for:

• Setting up tarp and tensioning the tent guylines
• Setting up hammocks
• Making clothesline
• Securing load on vehicles.

Sheet Bend

The Sheet Bend, also known as the Weaver’s Knot, is used to join two ropes of similar and different sizes and materials together.

It’s used in similar situations as the Square Knot but is stronger and more reliable as a bend knot for joining two ropes together.

Pros

• Easy to tie and untie
• Work with different-sized ropes

Cons

• Can come loose if not under load
• Not the best option for heavy load

Best for:

• Lengthen the rope by joining two shorter ropes together
• Tying down tarp or corners of poncho
• Securing loads in vehicles

Bowline

The Bowline Knot is commonly used to form a fixed loop at the end of the rope.

It’s strong, secure, and easy to untie under heavy load.

Some folks call it a rescue knot. Why? You can tie it with one hand and toss it to someone to pull them in.

Pros

• Easy to tie and untie
• Does not jam or slip
• Can be tied with a single hand—perfect for emergencies

Cons

• Can capsize when loaded sideways
• Can’t be tied and untied when there’s a load in the standing line
• Can come loose if the line is slack

Best for:

• Securing rope around trees, posts, or yourself
• Search and rescue situations
• Securing tents, tarps or hammocks
• Create a loop for hauling objects

Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch is one of the strongest binding knots used to secure objects around cylindrical objects like trees, posts or carabiners.

It’s popular in scouting projects to start and finish off the lashing. I’ve used it when building a tripod for a cooking pot.

Pros

• Easy to tie
• Allows for easy adjustment of the rope length
• Strong and secure 

Cons

• Can slip on smooth objects with a larger diameter than the rope.
• Can come undone when there’s no tension in the line
• Can spill if the standing end is pulled in the wrong direction.

Best for:

• Starting and ending lashings
• Attaching carbiner to the middle of the line
• Securing rope to a cylindrical object

Timber Hitch

The Timber Hitch is used to secure rope around cylindrical objects and is particularly useful for hauling and lifting logs or branches.

It grips tight under tension, does not jam after loading and can come undone in seconds.

I’ve hauled wet firewood with it many times.

Pros

• Easy to tie and untie even under load
• Does not jam after loading

Cons

• Secure only when there’s tension in the line

Best for:

• Hauling large logs or branches for campfire
• Securing line for tarps, tents and clothesline

Lashing Knots

The Lashing knots are used to lash poles or spars together.

In order to complete the first rank in scouting, you are required to tie and use these three lashing knots.

Scouts use them to build tables, frames, and useful camp structures:

Square Lashing

The Square Lashing is used to attach two poles at a right angle to prevent them from sliding over each other.

Think shelter, furniture, or ladder.

Shear Lashing

The Shear Lashing is used to join two poles together to make A-frame legs or reinforce a broken pole.

I’ve used this lashing as a fulcrum to lift a bucket from a stream. Also, the multiple shear legs in a row are used to create an aerial bridge.

Diagonal Lashing

The Diagonal Lashing is used to join two poles at an angle other than the right angle to prevent racking.

It’s popularly used to make cross braces of a rectangular framework, for instance, to make wheelbarrows or build trestles.

Liked the article? Share it or Bookmark for future reference!