Knot tying might sound like something the sailors, climbers, and Scouts only care about.
But, honestly, it’s one of those skills that you need. You think you don’t need it, until you really do.
You’ve got a gear to tie down. Something to hang in the garage or maybe a quick fix on the fly.
Knots make all of that easier!
They save time. They solve problems. They make your life easier.
Let’s get into it.
Types of Knots
Before you start, let’s talk basics.
But before that, make sure you’ve got the basic rope terms down.
I’ve got a guide on Knots and rope terminology to clear up what a “bight”, “standing end”, and “working end” mean. Check that out if you get stuck.
Now, back to the knots categories:
Loops
Loop Knots are used to form a loop in your rope.
It can form a loop at the end of the rope or at the middle. Not only that, some loops are fixed, some are adjustable.
You’ll use the loop knots for things like securing rope to a tree or making an attachment point for clipping items like a carabiner.
Common Loop Knots: Bowline, Alpine Butterfly Loop, Overhand Loop Knot
Bends
Bends join two ropes together. It’ll come in handy when you run out of rope and want to extend it safely.
There are all kinds of bends, some may be stronger or more secure than others. It should resist slipping and not capsize when pulled.
Common Bends: Sheet Bend, Double Fisherman’s Knot, Flemish Bend
Hitches
Hitch connects a rope to an object like a pole, tree, hook, or another rope. You’ll use hitches to secure the tent guylines or secure a boat to the dock.
Common Hitches: Clove Hitch, Round Turn and Two Half Hitches, Tautline Hitch, Timber Hitch
Stopper Knots
Stopper Knots do exactly what they sound like—stopping the rope from passing through an opening like a hole or a grommet.
You’ll tie the stopper knots at the end of the rope to keep it from fraying or passing through a hole.
Common Stopper Knots: Overhand Knot, Figure 8 Knot, Estar Stopper Knot
Decorative Knots
Decorative Knots are used in crafts like paracord bracelets and macrame. They are more about looks, but follow the knot logic.
Common Decorative Knots: Lanyard Knot, Celtic Button, Monkey’s Fist
Basic Knots Everyone Should Know
Here are the most basic knots that you should learn if you are just starting knot tying:
Square Knot
The Square Knot, also known as the Reef Knot, is used to secure two ropes of the same size together.
Why it’s useful: It’s quick and easy to tie. Perfect for bundling items, tying packages, or bandages.
Caution: It can slip if used as a bend to join two ropes of different sizes. Never use it for critical loads.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pass the rope around the object.
- Tie a Half hitch around the standing line.
- Tie another Half hitch below.
- Tighten the knot.
Bowline
The Bowline creates a fixed loop at the end of the rope.
Why it’s useful: It’s time-tested. It does not slip and tighten under load, and it’s easy to untie after loading.
Bonus: Remember the mnemonics, “The rabbit comes out of the hole, goes around the tree, and back into the hole.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pass the working end through the loop.
- Pass it behind the standing part and through the loop.
- Hold the loop and the working end with one hand and the standing end with the other and pull both ends.
- Tighten the knot.
Clove Hitch
The Clove Hitch is used to secure rope to a tree, pole, or post.
Why it’s useful: It’s fast, adjustable, and versatile. When the adjustment is needed, you can slide the knot without untying the whole thing.
Caution: Not ideal for long-term use. Might slip under dynamic loads.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wrap the rope around the object from front to back.
- Loop the working end forward around the support.
- Pass it behind the standing part.
- Pull both ends to tighten.
Figure 8 Knot
The Figure 8 Knot is used as a stopper knot to keep the lines from slipping through the retaining device.
The other forms of the Figure 8 Knot, like the Figure 8 Follow through Loop, Figure 8 bend, or Figure 8 on a bight, are used as a climbing knot.
Why it’s useful: It’s strong and secure. Popular and easy to inspect.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create a bight in the rope.
- Pass the working end over and under the standing part.
- Feed the tag end back through the loop.
- Pull both ends of the rope to tighten the knot.
Tautline Hitch
The Tautline Hitch creates an adjustable loop at the end of the rope, perfect for tent lines guy lines.
Why it’s useful: It slides up and down the standing line to increase the size of the loop as well as the line’s length and tension.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pass the rope around the object.
- Loop the working end around the standing part.
- Wrap it one more time and take it out of the loop.
- Wrap it again.
- Tighten the knot.
Sheet Bend
The Sheet Bend is used to join two ropes of different sizes, materials, and rigidity.
Why it’s useful: It holds well under tension and yet is easy to untie.
Pro Tip: Always make sure the short ends (the working ends) are on the same side of the knot (either at the bottom or at the top).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 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.
Practical Uses of Knot Tying
Let’s talk about real-life scenarios:
Camping and Survival
I have extensively used knots in my outdoor activities, like:
- Tent and tarp setups in rain.
- Hanging bags and food items to keep them away from animals.
- Make a makeshift shelter.
My take: If you have got paracord and a few knots in your pocket, you can keep up with almost anything in the wild.
Climbing
Climbing is a risky business. You need to trust your knots when your life depends on it.
It’s used to connect yourself to harness, anchor setups, and connect gears.
The Figure 8 Follow Through, Bowline, Double Fisherman’s Knot, and Prussik Knot are popular.
Related: Climbing Knots
Boating and Sailing
In the boating world, you’ll see ropes everywhere. It’s used for docking, hoisting a sail, securing fenders, and throwing a towline.
Related: Boating Knots
Everyday Use
I have used knots to hang a flower pot, make a belt out of rope in an emergency, and hang stuff in the garage.
You don’t have to be in the woods; tie knots at your ease around your cozy home.
Professional Work
Firefighters, rescue workers, cavers, and fishermen use the knots every day as a part of their job.
Crafting
Knots are used for decorative purposes and macrame projects as well.
When I learned the Lanyard Knot, I made a custom lanyard for my car keys. You can make a paracord bracelet and even make a begleri.
How to Learn Knot Tying
I’ll be honest. You can’t just read about knots and know them well. You need to see and feel the knot.
Use these resources:
- Watch videos: Several YouTube channels are out there. Look for the authoritative knot-tying ones.
- Books: Try “The Ashley Book of Knots.” It’s an encyclopedia about knots written by Clifford W. Ashley in 1944. It has a massive collection of over 3800 knots.
- Mobile Apps: Some apps show the knot-tying process in 3D. You can rotate the knot and watch it in motion.
- Websites: Use websites like knotspedia for clear insights into knots, not just the knot-tying process.
Tips for Mastering Knot Tying
You don’t need to master 100 knots at a single shot. Start with 5 or 6 basic knots. Learn what they’re for and use them.
When you tie them, it builds muscle memory over time.
Here’s what helped me:
- Use real rope: Don’t practice with a shoelace. Try paracord or real climbing ropes.
- Practice daily: Keep a short length of rope near your desk, couch, or car. Idle time = practice time. Muscle memory is the key.
- Group knots by type: Learn the loop knots first, then move on to the other categories, like bends and hitches.
- Tie with a purpose: Just don’t tie knots—tie it with an intent. Say, “I want to hang this pot with a Bowline.” Set a goal and execute it.
- Test your knots: Pull them and see how they hold. See when they fail. That way, you’ll learn their limit.
You don’t need to master all the knots at once. Start with the basics and use them often.
Remember “If you can’t tie a knot, tie a lot.” That’s what they say, right?
That’s it for this guide. Happy Knotting!
Further read: Types of Knots Explained—25+ Essential Knots Everyone Should Learn
