Noose Knot

The Noose knot is one of the simplest running loop that self-tightens when the standing end is pulled.

It is similar to the Slip knot except the bight is formed on the longer end (the standing end) and not the shorter end (the working end).

It’s compared with the Hangman’s knot, but both serve different purposes (more on this later).

First, let’s check how to tie a simple Noose in detail.

How to Tie a Noose Knot

To tie a Noose, first form an overhand knot with the working end. Then, make a bight on the standing end and pass it through the Overhand loop. Finally, hold the top loop and the working end to tighten the knot.

1. Form an overhand loop with the working end passing it over the standing part.
2. Create a bight on the standing part and feed it through the loop.
3. Tighten the knot.
   

To untie this knot, just hold the knot and pull down the standing part. It will spill the knot apart.

TIP: Keep the working end at least a few inches long to keep it from untying.

How to Tie a Hangman’s Knot

The Hangman’s knot is a Noose knot that has many turns (6-8 loops, maximum 13) created around the loop.

It has a dark history associated with capital punishment, but these days, it’s more useful for practical tasks.

It’s used to tie down a boat, vehicles or camping tents and used for decorative purposes like making a lanyard.

1. Make a “S” shape with your rope.
2. Pass the tag end behind.
3. Wrap it around the upper loop and the standing part.
4. Wrap it 3 more times.
5. Wrap it 3 more times again.
6. Pass it through the top loop.
7. Pull the bight to tighten the top loop

Need a bigger or smaller loop? Just pull the standing end to adjust.

Note: People mistakenly use the term Hangman’s knot for the Noose knot. But here’s the thing: All Hangman’s knots are Nooses but not all Noose knots are hangman’s knots.

Noose Knot vs Slip Knot

Let’s clear this up. The Noose knot and the Slip knot are two different knots.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

Applications and Uses

In the old times, this knot was used to snare birds and small animals. 

Its variation is used for all sorts of jobs today–from fishing to camping alike.

It’s also used for tying parcels because of its quick release ability.

It’s used as the first loop when casting on, but it is tied as a Noose knot and mistakenly called a Slip knot.

Other Noose Knots

Slip Noose

The Slip Noose (ABoK #1804) is the slipped version of the Simple Noose.

It is tied similar to the Noose knot except the bight is fed into the loop instead of the tag end.

Figure 8 Noose

The Figure 8 Noose (ABoK #1116) is based on the classic Figure 8 knot.

It forms a more reliable Noose knot and draws up more smoothly than the original Noose.

Running Bowline Knot 

As the name suggests the Running Bowline forms (ABoK #1117) a sliding bowline around the standing end.

It’s used at sea when a noose is required, especially to pick up the lost lumber or any rigging that has gone adrift. It’s also used to tie ropes to trees, perfect to make a swing.

Knot Based on the Noose Knot

Arbor Knot

The Arbor knot is a basic Noose with an extra Overhand knot at the end of the working end.

It’s used to tie fishing lines to an arbor.

Butcher’s Knot 

The Butcher’s knot (ABoK #1834) is a Noose you tie around an object and finish off with a Half Hitch knot.

It’s a classic go to for butchers to tie up meat for roasting.

Poacher’s Knot 

The Poacher’s knot (ABoK #409) is formed by tying a Double Overhand Knot around the standing end. 

This gives an adjustable and secure self-tightening Noose.

Duncan (Uni) Knot

The Duncan knot looks like a Hangman’s Noose in appearance but it’s a different knot altogether.

It forms a loop that you can adjust and is used in fishing for joining two lines.

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