Noose Knot

Written by Binod Gautam

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The Noose knot is one of the simplest running loops 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.

Noose Knot Details

Type: Loop

Other Names: Sliding loop, Running knot, Simple Noose

ABoK Reference: #8, #43, #1114

How to Tie a Noose Knot

  • noose-knot-s1
  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.

diagram of noose-knot

Noose Knot vs Slip Knot

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

slip-knot-vs-noose-knot

Here’s a detailed comparison:

FeatureSlip KnotNoose Knot
TypeQuick release stopper KnotSelf tightening loop knot
Primary FunctionUsed as an easy-to-release and temporary holdCreate a secure and adjustable loop
Tightening MethodTightens when the working end is pulledTightens when the standing end is pulled
Untying MethodPulling the working end spills the knotPulling the standing end spills the knot
StructureThe working end is passed through the loopThe standing end is passed through the loop
SecurityUsed for a temporary holdProvides a moderately secure hold
ComplexityQuick and simpleQuick and simple

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.

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.

Hangman’s Knot 

The Hangman’s knot (ABoK #1119) is a Noose knot that has many turns (6-8 loops, maximum 13) created around the loop.

It has been around since the days of executing prisoners. Today, it’s used in fishing and boating works.

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.

Warning: Don’t use the Noose knot to play hangman. It can cause injury or even death if used around someone’s neck. So, NEVER play this knot around somebody’s body.

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Loop KnotsBasic Knots

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