Miller’s Knot

The Miller’s knot is a binding knot that is used for tying up sacks, bags or bundling items together.

It’s also called the Bag knot or Sack knot.

Back in the day, it was used by millers when grain and flour were stored and transported in large sacks. 

This knot was used to tie up the openings of those sacks tightly.

Let’s learn it in detail.

How to Tie a Miller’s Knot

Here’s an easy way to remember how to tie the Miller’s knot and its family (including the Sack knot and Bag knot):

“Two crossing turns and the end tucked under.”

Follow these steps:

1. Pass the rope around the object (neck of the sack) and over the first turn.
2. Make a second wrap around the neck beside the first turn.
3. Tuck the working end under the first turn.
4. Tighten the knot.

Pro TIP: Need a quick-release variation? Instead of tucking the working end of the rope, just make the bight and feed it under the first turn.

Another Variation of Miller’s Knot

There is another version of Miller knot under the name Miller’s knot (2) i.e. ABoK #1242.

It has a minor variation of Miller’s knot (1)—the final tuck is made in the opposite direction.

It‘s simple to tie, but as Ashley points out, it can sometimes capsize.

Other Similar Miller’s Knots

Sack Knot

The Sack knot (ABoK #1243) is one of the variations of the Miller’s knot.

Here, the second turn is passed through the other side of the standing end before the final tuck is made under the first turn like Miller’s knot (1).

It’s also known as the Ground line hitch or Picket line hitch.

Bag Knot

The Bag knot (ABoK #1244) is tied similar to the Sack knot.

The twist here is that after the first turn, the second turn passes the other side of the standing end and the final tuck is done similar to Miller’s knot (2).

It constricts better than the Miller’s knot and Sack knot and makes a very practical knot.

The slipped version of the Bag knot can also be tied if a quick-release knot is needed.

Strangle Knot

The Strangle knot (ABoK #1239) is another variation.

It’s tied by making two round turns around the object and the end is tucked under the two turns.

It can be tied as a slipped knot, which is best for tying up sacks and meal bags.

Constrictor Knot

The Constrictor knot is one of the fierce binding knots.

It binds so tightly that it’s almost impossible to untie by hand and often needs a knife to cut it loose.

It’s tied similarly to the Clove hitch but is more secure.

Sometimes, it can be slipped which makes it easier to untie.

Clove Hitch

The Clove hitch is an excellent crossing knot, but it does not work well as a binding knot.

It does not grip as well as the constrictor knot.

Application and Uses

So, where can you use the Miller’s knot?

• Secure the ends of a bag or a sack.
• As a ligature in veterinary or medical surgery.
• As a temporary seizing for whipping the end of a rope.

There are so many variations of the Miller’s knot!

Which one do you use to tie up bags or sacks? Do let us know in the comment section.

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