Types of Knots Explained: 25+ Essential Knots Everyone Should Learn

In my previous article, I highlighted why knot tying isn’t just for climbers and sailors—it’s a skill anyone can benefit from. Today, we are pushing forward.

I have compiled 25+ essential knots.

These are knots I have tied in real life. Some have been lifesavers, others just made my life easier.

I’ll cover all types of knots—bends, loops, stoppers, hitches, binding knots, quick release knots, and a few extras.

Spoiler: Some knots are simple; others require a bit more effort.

Anyway, let’s do it!

Basic Knot tying Terminology

Before we get into the knots, let’s clear the basics first:

• Working end: The free end of the rope used to tie the knot. Also called the tag end, running end, or just the end.
• Standing end: The end of the rope that remains passive during knot tying.
• Standing part: The section of the rope between the standing end and the working end.
• Turn and round turn: A single wrap around the object is a turn. If another turn is added, it’s a round turn.
• Bight: The slack portion of the rope when it’s doubled back on itself.
• Loop: When two parts of the rope cross each other, a loop is formed.
• Bend: Joins two ropes together.
• Hitch: Secures a rope to an object.
• Binding knot: Secures objects together.
• Stopper knot: Prevents the rope from slipping through.

Need more knot terminology? Check out the comprehensive guide here or download the Printable cheatsheet.

Types of Knots and Their Uses

I’ll start with some basic go-to knots that are useful for general tasks. After that, I’ll cover the Hitch knots. 

Then, I’ll move on to the bends, loops, and stopper knots. I’ll finish off with a few special utility knots.

Two Half Hitches

The Two Half Hitches is used to temporarily secure a rope around an object.

It’s one of the simplest knots you can imagine. Just go around the object, then tie two half hitches around the standing line. That’s it!

Step-by-Step Instructions (click to expand)

1. Pass the rope around the object.
2. Tie a Half hitch around the standing line.
3. Tie another Half hitch below.
4. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Securing guylines, clotheslines, and banners at campsites
• Tying mooring lines to docks or boats
• Creating vertical, diagonal, and horizontal patterns in macrame
• Locking down loads in the final step of a Trucker’s Hitch.

Pros: Easy to tie

Cons: Can jam if loaded heavily

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

Need a more secure hitch to attach a rope to a post, pole, or tree? The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is your go-to.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pass the working end around the fixed object twice to create a round turn.
2. Tie a Half Hitch around the standing line.
3. Tie another Half Hitch in the same direction.
4. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Securing mooring lines to posts, trees, or rings. 
• Tying off the ends of a ridgeline or tarp line. 
• Setting up a clothesline. 
• Attaching a hammock to a tree. 

Pros: Can be tied and untied under load, rarely jams

Cons: Need more rope than the Two Half Hitches

Figure 8 Knot

The Figure 8 Knot is the most basic yet highly efficient stopper knot that retains most of the rope’s strength.

You’ll tie this at the end of the rope to prevent it from slipping through or unreeving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create a bight in the rope.
2. Pass the working end over and under the standing part.
3. Feed the tag end back through the loop.
4. Pull both ends of the rope to tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Stopper knot in boating and climbing
• Foundation for other knots

Pros: Easy to tie and untie than the Overhand Stopper Knot

Cons: Tends to shake loose over time

Slip Knot

The Slip Knot is an Overhand Knot with a draw loop. It’s quick and easy to tie, and you can yank it loose instantly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Tie an Overhand loop.
2. Make a bight on the working end and feed it through the loop.
3. Pull the standing part to tighten the knot.

Best for: 

• Making an initial loop when casting on for crochet.
• Making a loop for Trucker’s Hitch.
• Securing the ends of sacks or bags for quick release

Pros: Easy to tie and untie

Cons: Not safe for critical applications

Square Knot (Reef Knot)

The Square Knot is a simple knot to join two ropes of similar size or secure them around an object.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cross the RED rope over the Blue rope (Left over Right).
2. Tuck it under the BLUE rope to form a Half Knot.
3. Cross the RED over the Blue once again (Right over Left).
4. Tuck it under the BLUE one to form another Half Knot.
5. Pull all ends to tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Tying shoelaces and bows for shoes or packages.
• Securing bandages over wounds.
• Sealing plastic bags.
• Holding a rolled-up tent in place while camping.
• Creating decorative patterns in macrame.

Pros: Quick and easy to tie

Cons: Not suitable for critical loads, doesn’t bind well with rope of unequal diameter, tends to capsize when pulled unevenly

Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch is a quick and easy knot for securing a rope to an object using Two Half Hitches.

It’s not the strongest of knots as it tends to slip and jam at an inappropriate moment.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wrap the rope around the object from front to back.
2. Loop the working end forward around the support.
3. Pass it behind the standing part.
4. Pull both ends to tighten.

Best for: 

• Temporary mooring to a post or buoy.
• Securing fenders to a rail.
• Starting or finishing lashings like square, diagonal, or tripod lashings.
• Forms a secure knot for an arm sling in emergencies.

Pros: Easy to tie, untie, and adjust

Cons: Can come undone when there’s no tension in the line, not good for square posts

Bowline Knot

The Bowline Knot forms a fixed loop at the end of a rope.

It’s one of the few knots people learn (along with the Overhand Knot and Figure 8 Knot) because it’s old school and reliable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pass the working end through the loop.
2. Pass it behind the standing part and through the loop.
3. Hold the loop and the working end with one hand and the standing end with the other and pull both ends.
4.  Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Forming a fixed loop, large or small, at the end of the line. 
• Rescue situations
• Securing mooring lines to a tree, post, or anchor. 
• Tying tarps, setting up shelters, tying one end of the clothesline, hanging gear, or attaching a hammock.
• First step of a tie down for trucker’s hitch.

Pros: Easy to tie and untie, doesn’t jam, can be tied with one hand

Cons: May capsize when pulled sideways, can get loose when not loaded

Sheet Bend

The Sheet Bend is used to join two ropes of different sizes, materials, or rigidity.

It’s not particularly known for its strength, but it holds up well under moderate loads. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a bight on the thicker rope.
2. Pass the working end of the thinner rope through the bight.
3. Loop it under the first rope.
4. Feed the working end through the bight.
5. Pull all ends to tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Temporarily joining two ropes.
•  Making climbing or cargo nets.
• Creating decorative knots.
• Securing tarps or poncho corners.

Pros: Easy to tie and untie, works with different-sized ropes

Cons: Not safe for critical loads, can loosen when not under load

Tautline Hitch

The Tautline Hitch forms an adjustable loop at the end of a rope.

This knot will come in handy when the length of the rope needs to be periodically adjusted in order to maintain tension in the line.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pass the rope around the object.
2. Loop the working end around the standing part.
3. Wrap it one more time and take it out of the loop.
4. Wrap it again.
5. Tighten the knot.

Best for: 

• Securing tarp and tent lines or hanging a hammock.
• Tying down loads on vehicles.

Pros: Easy to adjust the tension

Cons: Loses grip over time, less effective with modern synthetic ropes. 

Lark’s Head (Cow Hitch)

The Lark’s Head is used to attach rope to a post, poles or other ropes.

It’s a simple knot that can be tied with the rope’s end or a bight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pass the end of the rope around the object from behind.
2. Cross it behind the standing line.
3. Pass the working end around the object in the opposite direction and pass it through the loop.
4. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Attaching a rope to a ring
• Tying animals to the post.
• Attaching tags to zippers

Pros: Quick and easy to tie

Cons: Not safe for critical applications

Constrictor Knot

The Constrictor Knot is a strong binding knot used to bundle up items, like tightening up loose materials.

It grips so well that it usually requires a knife to get rid of it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wrap the rope around the object.
2. Cross the working end over the standing end and wrap it around the object again.
3. Pass it under itself.
4. Then pass it under the first turn.
5. Pull tight to secure.

Best for:

• Holds fibers together when finishing rope ends.
• Ties the neck of sacks or bags securely.
• Temporary cable tie or hose clamp.

Pros: Strong and versatile

Cons: Can jam if heavily tightened, does not grip well on a flat surface

Buntline Hitch

The Buntline hitch is used to attach rope to a ring, eye, or post.

It’s your go-to when you need a compact knot that tightens itself when there is tension in the line.

The slipped version of the Buntline hitch is more popular as it gives you the ability of a quick release.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pass the rope around the object and wrap it around the standing end.
2. Form an “8” shape with the working end.
3. Pass the working end through the loop.
4. Tie a Half Hitch around the standing part.
5. Pull the standing end to tighten.

Best for:

• Attaching a halyard to a shackle or a sail
• Securing rope to rings and railings when a compact knot is needed

Pros: Strong and secure, compact in size

Cons: Jams under extreme load

Timber Hitch

The Timber Hitch is used for dragging or hoisting logs across the ground.

It grips harder and harder as you apply more tension in the line.

Bonus: Try the Killick Hitch if you want more purchase out of the Timber Hitch. It’s similar but has an additional half hitch knot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pass the rope around the object.
2. Wrap it around the standing part.
3. Coil the working end multiple times around itself. For synthetic ropes, five or more turns are 
4. Pull the standing end to tighten the hitch.

Best for:

• Hoisting and dragging branches or logs.
• Secure ridgelines for tarps, tents and clothesline
• Attach strings to the lower end of the English longbow and instruments like the guitar and ukulele.

Pros: Easy to tie and untie even under load, does not jam

Cons: Only secure under tension

Rolling Hitch

The Rolling Hitch is a friction knot that’s used for lengthwise pulls along an object.

You’ll use this knot to tighten the slack line without untying the knot holding the line.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wrap the rope around the post.
2. Make another wrap, completing the round turn around an object. The wraps of the turn should continue in the direction of the pull.
3. Cross the rope over the standing end.
4. Add a Half hitch knot.
5. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Tightening the clotheslines.
• Hoisting or hauling objects.
• Tie a fender to boat rails.

Pros: Can be tied under load, does not bind and slip if pulled in the correct direction
Cons: May slip in modern synthetic ropes

Packer’s Knot

The Packer’s Knot is a binding knot used with thinner ropes to secure parcels or bundles.

You’ll use this when you need a knot that functions like a Zip Tie—easy to tie and equally strong and secure. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pass the rope around the object.
2. Bring the working end under the standing end.
3. Make a Figure 8 around the standing end.
4. Tie a Half Hitch over the working end—form a loop around the standing part and feed the working end through.
5. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Bundling parcels, firewood, or even meat.
• Zip tie alternative.
• Camping, bushcraft, and general everyday use.

Pros: Strong and secure, easy to tie and untie, less prone to jamming

Cons: Not as secure as other binding knots

Double Fisherman’s Knot

The Double Fisherman’s Knot is used to join two ropes of similar size using two double Overhand knots.

It’s difficult to untie the knot once loaded, so only use it if you intend to use this for permanent use.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lay the ends of two ropes side by side.
2. Take the free end of one rope, wrap it around the other twice, then pass it back through the coils.
3. Repeat the same step with the other rope.
4. Tighten both knots.
5. Pull the standing ends to bring the knots together.

Best for:

• Joining two climbing ropes
• Creating a Prusik loop for attaching ropes to carabiners.
• Making grab handles for kayaks and canoes.
• Making adjustable lanyards, bracelets, and necklaces.

Pros: Strong and secure, easy to inspect

Cons: Difficult to untie after loading

Zeppelin Bend

The Zeppelin bend is the most secure method to join two ropes.

It’s a solid alternative to Double Fisherman’s Knot as it is jam-resistant and easy to untie after loading.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Form a 6 shape with one rope and a 9 shape with the other.
2. Place the 6 loop over the 9 loop, creating a small opening.
3. Pass the first rope through the loop.
4. Pass the second rope through the same loop.
5. Pull all ends to tighten.

Best for: Joining two lines under heavy load.

Pros: Safe and secure, easy to untie

Cons: Resembles other bends like the Hunter’s bend, so easy to mess up

Water Knot

The Water Knot is used to join two webbing strappings together.

It’s one of the secure bend knots commonly used by climbers to make a sling for rappel anchors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a loop with the Blue rope near the end.
2. Pass it through the loop to make a loose Overhand Knot.
3. Thread the RED rope through the knot.
4. Bring it to the front and then to the back.
5. Pass it through the front wrap of the BLUE knot.
6. Tighten the knot.

Best for: 

• Making a sling for rappel anchors
• Extending the length of the webbing
• Making grab handles
• Tying up hammocks
• Joining flat materials like leather

Pros: Easy to tie, strong and secure

Cons: Can slip on certain materials like Dyneema, jams and is difficult to unite

Alpine Butterfly Knot

The Alpine Butterfly Knot is used to create a secure loop in the middle of a rope.

You can load it in either direction alone or together, and it’s easy to untie this knot even after heavy loading.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wrap the rope around your hand three times.
2. Slide Loop 2 under Loop 3.
3. Bring Loop 2 back over Loops 1 and 3.
4. Pass it back under Loops 1 and 3.
5. Slide the knot off your hand.
6. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Isolating a damaged section of rope.
• Creating hand and foot loops for climbing.
• Making a midline attachment for clipping gear like lanterns or pots.
• Securing carabiners to climbing harnesses.
• Setting up clotheslines or hanging tools in the garage.
• As a component of the Trucker’s Hitch.

Pros: Easy to tie and untie after loading, can be loaded in multiple directions.

Cons: Not ideal for beginners, does not work well with stiff and thick ropes

Figure 8 on a Bight

Need a strong and reliable knot at the end of a rope? The Figure 8 on a Bight is your go to.

It’s one of the secure loop knots commonly used in climbing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Form a bight in the rope.
2. Pass the working end under the standing part.
3. Feed the bight through the loop.
4. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Attaching the rope to the carabiner, climbing harness, or belay device.
• Firefighter rescue work
• Anchor building
• Fixing ropes for rappelling

Pros: Strong and easy to tie

Cons: Difficult to untie after heavy loading

Bowline on a Bight

The Bowline on a Bight forms two fixed and secure loops in the middle of the rope.

Caution: This knot might fail if you load the single loop only.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a loop in the rope by passing the rope over the standing part.
2. Pass it through the loop.
3. Open up the bight and wrap it around the whole knot.
4. Continue until it encircles both standing ends.
5. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Emergency Bosun’s chair.
• Making a toe hold in the middle of a rope
• As a harness tie in knot—an alternative to Figure 8 follow through knot.
• Hoisting multiple people

Pros: Can be tied in the middle of the rope, easy to tie and untie after heavy loading.

Cons: May fail if only one loop is clipped.

Mooring Hitch

The Mooring hitch is a quick-release knot for tying small boats or kayaks to a tree, pole, or other objects.

It’s easy to tie and super easy to untie.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pass the rope around the pole.
2. Make a loop with the working end.
3. Form a bight and pass it under the standing end.
4. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Mooring small boats and kayaks.
• Tethering animals to a post.
• Setting up a ridgeline for tarps or tents.

Pros: Secure and does not slip

Cons: Difficult to untie under tension, may jam, may undo if tension is not maintained

Highwayman’s Hitch

Unlike the Mooring Hitch, the Highwayman’s Hitch is exploding in nature. The knot collapses with a tug of the standing end.

You’ll probably need this when you need to cast off quickly without having to untie the knot by hand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a first bight of rope and put it behind the object.
2. Make a second bight on the standing end and pass it through the first loop.
3. Make a third bight on the working end and pass it through the second loop.
4. Pull the standing part to tighten the knot.

Best for: 

• Temporary mooring for boats
• Tying kayaks to docks
• Tethering animals like horses to posts or rails.

Pros: Easy to tie, can be untied under tension

Cons: May come loose by accident, fails when tied around a large diameter object

Ashley Stopper Knot

The Ashley Stopper knot is a bulky stopper knot that prevents the rope from slipping through an opening.

Use this instead of a Figure 8 or an Overhand Knot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a bight in the rope.
2. Fold it into two loops—one small, one large.
3. Pass the large loop through the small loop to form a noose.
4. Feed the working end through the large loop.
5. Tighten the overhand section around the standing part.
6. Pull the standing part to close the noose on the working end.
7. Tighten everything firmly.

Best for: 

• Keeping mooring lines from pulling through narrow openings.
• Securing shelters and other gear.

Pros: Bulky profile with a unique 3-lobed structure

Cons: Easy to get it wrong

Trucker’s Hitch

The Trucker’s Hitch is a high-tension knot used to secure loads on trucks and trailers.

It provides a 3:1 mechanical advantage so you can tighten the load easily.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Tie a Slipped Overhand Knot.
2. Pass the tail back through the loop.
3. Pull the line tight.
4. Secure with two Half Hitches.

Best for:

• Securing canoes, kayaks, and other loads on vehicles.
• Tightening tent and tarp ridgelines.
• Setting up hammocks.
• Making clothesline.

Pros: Strong, easy to tie, easy to tension line

Cons: Damages the rope if pulled tightly

Prusik Knot

The Prusik knot is a friction knot used to attach a loop of cord called the “Prusik loop” around the rope.

It grips when you load the knot and slides easily when not under tension.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Use a loop of cord or sling (should be half the diameter of the main rope).
2. Tie a Girth Hitch around the main rope.
3. Pass the loop back through the center of the Girth Hitch three times.
4. Ensure the turns lie neatly beside each other and pull tight.
5. Pinch the knot to slide it up or down the rope. Weight locks it in place. If stuck, push some cord into the center to free it.

Best for:

• Ascending ropes
• Gripping the rope securely.
• Securing tarps, shelters, or gear to a ridgeline without damaging the rope.
• Climbing activities

Pros: Strong, locks in both directions, lightweight and easy to carry

Cons: Does not work well with frozen wet ropes

Marlinspike Hitch

The Marlinspike hitch is a temporary knot that quickly turns a rope into a handle or ladder step.

It’s an interesting little knot that is super useful in bushcraft and survival situations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a loop in the rope.
2. Move the loop to the right so it crosses the vertical strand.
3. Pull the middle strand to the left.
4. Insert a cylindrical object through the loop.
5. Tighten the knot.

Best for:

• Creating handles for tightening knots like the Constrictor Knot.
• Making a makeshift ladder.
• Hammock suspension systems and whoopie slings.

Pros: Quick and easy to tie and untie

Cons: Capsize and jam when not loaded properly

Chain Sinnet

The Chain Sinnet is used to shorten rope length and prevent tangling.

It’s one of the knots you can introduce to children. It’s amazing how the rope unravels when the working end is pulled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a loop in the rope.
2. Create a bight in the working end and pass it through the loop.
3. Pull the loop forward.
4. Create another bight and pass it through the new loop.
5. Repeat until the rope runs out.
6. Lock the sinnet by passing the working end through the final loop.

Best for:

• Shortening ropes for storage or washing ropes without tangling.
• Coiling long extension cords neatly.
• Braided bracelets and macrame projects.
• Military uniform decorations.

Pros: Easy to tie and super easy to untie

Cons: Rope uncoils with kinks and twists

Which Knots Should You Learn First?

Let’s be honest. 25+ knots is a lot.

You probably don’t need all of them right away. So, here’s a shortcut to help you focus.

If you are brand new: Bowline, Square Knot, and Two Half Hitches

If you are into camping: Tautline Hitch, Trucker’s Hitch, and Timber Hitch

If you Climb: Figure of 8 on a Bight, Alpine butterfly Knot, and Water Knot

If you are into scouting: Check out this article, “How to tie the 8 basic knots in Scouting.”

Bonus: If you just want to learn three knots that work almost anywhere, go with the Bowline, Clove Hitch, and Figure 8 Knot. They’ll cover the most situations. For more, check out the complete list of knots on our website.

Did you find the article helpful? If there’s a knot you think deserves a spot in the list, do tell me in the comments below!

Happing Knottting!