The Overhand Knot is one of the first knots that people learn to tie.
It’s simple and easy to tie stopper knot.
As a stopper, it is tied at the end of the rope to protect the rope from unreeving or unraveling.
Let’s check out this knot in detail.
Overhand Knot Details
Type: Stopper
Other Names: Simple Knot, Single Knot, Common Knot, Thumb Knot, Ordinary Knot
ABoK Reference: #514, #515, #519
How to Tie an Overhand Knot
General Method
- Make a loop.
- Pass the working end through the loop.
- Pull both ends to tighten the knot.
To untie: just push the ends towards each other. Apply some effort if the knot is too tight.
When the knot loosens, pull the end of the rope through the loop in the original direction of how it was created.
Thumb Method
This method is used in sewing works especially when you need a stopper at the end of a thread.
I doubt if this is helpful for large-diameter ropes.
- Hold both ends of the thread between your index finger and the thumb.
- Make a loop around the index finger.
- Roll the rope through the back of the loop.
- Pull both ends to tighten it.
Quick TIP: Try Slip Knot
One of the few things, that I dislike about this knot is that it can jam badly especially in low-diameter rope like the threads.
If you want shortcuts so that the untying process becomes easy— try Slip Knot.
It’s an Overhand Knot with a draw loop.
To untie, just pull the working end and the knot will come undone easily.
Related: Slip Knot
I don’t recommend the slipped version for any critical loads. Use it as a temporary stopper knot for general-purpose tasks only.
Common Mistakes
It’s a simple knot per se, but over the years I have seen people make some common errors.
- Not tightening the knot tight. If you don’t tighten it enough, it comes undone easily.
- Using thick and slippery rope. The knot might come loose easily.
- Mistaking it for the Half Hitch and the Half Knot (more on this later).
Fun Fact
If you join the free ends of the Overhand knot, you’ll get a Trefoil Knot—one of the simplest examples of a true knot in the knot theory.
Applications and Uses
As a foundation knot: Acts as a basis for other knots like Square Knot, Fisherman’s Knot, Double Overhand Knot, etc
As a basic stopper: While camping, it can be used as a stopper to prevent the rope from slipping through the grommet
Packaging: Used in tying parcels, bundling goods together
Other uses: Popular is sewing threads, twines and macrame
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Small and secure
- Requires less rope
Cons
- Only 50% knot strength
- Can jam under load
- Difficult to untie when wet
Other Overhand Knots
Double Overhand Knot
Want a more secure knot? Add an extra turn to the Overhand Knot and you’ll get a Double Overhand Knot.
It’s a thicker stopper knot and is used to stop the rope from passing through the large holes.
Threefold Overhand Knot
Normally you will use the Double Overhand Knot.
But if you want a bigger stopper knot— just pass the rope through the loop as many times as you want.
Beyond two turns the knot will be more decorative than practical. It’ll be difficult to bring it back into shape.
Overhand Loop Knot
Want to tie an overhand knot in the center of a rope?
In climbing: use this knot as a loop knot for building anchors and making loops to tie off light loads.
In fishing work: use this knot to attach weights or swivels to your main line.
When used as a stopper it’s heavier than the Overhand Knot.
Other Similar Knots
Half Knot
You may be tying a Half Knot without even knowing it.
When you tie up parcels or shoestrings together with two ends of a rope, you’re tying a Half Knot.
It’s different from an Overhand Knot which can be tied with one end.
Half Hitch
If you pass one end of the rope around an object and tie an Overhand Knot on the standing part, you’ll get a Half Hitch Knot.
It’s an Overhand Knot tied around the standing end.
Fisherman’s Knot
When joining ropes together, tie two Overhand Knots around the standing end of each rope and tighten the knot.
It will result in a Fisherman’s Knot.
Square Knot
It is the first knot we learn when we tie the laces on our shoes.
It’s formed by tying two Half Knots in opposite directions and is used for tying parcels and first aid.
Water Knot
It’s a “rethreaded” Overhand Knot—one rope follows the tuns of the other rope but in the opposite direction.
Climbers use this knot for joining webbings.
Final Words
I would never rely on this knot (used as a stopper) if my life is in danger.
Yes, it’s a simple knot with many uses, but not the best choice for critical tasks like climbing and sailing.
Just don’t take my word for it, check what Ashley has to say in his book:
“It is quite secure but weak, reducing the strength of the rope in which it is tied to by perhaps as much as 50%.”
Secure but weak? That’s the answer!
And, if the knot jams— good luck untying it!
That’s why I only recommend using this knot for general-purpose use where it’s intended to be permanent (if it jams—just leave it there).
If you need a more secure stopper knot, try the Double Overhand Stopper or Ashley’s Stopper.
Got any questions? Drop them in the comment section below.
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