Basic Knots

KNOTS

These are some of the basic knots we use with instructions (and pictures to help!) on how to tie them. Use a right mouse click to zoom in to enlarge any of the pictures.

See also Realknots - a site containing info on hundreds of knots for all occasions

Reef Knot (also known as the Square Knot)

Used: Reefing sails; tying parcels or slings.

Always use rope of equal thickness else it will not be secure.

Right over left	Left over right	Both ends should both appear on the same side ie both up or both down else you have done a Thief Knot

On each side the pairs from each end go inside the loop made by the other end.
Before being tightened if you grip the end pairs and push them towards each other the knot should slip apart as two joined loops.

Sheet Bend

Used: Joining two ropes of different thickness.

Make a loop (bight) in one rope. Pass the end of the other rope through the loop from the back	Take the free end and pass it around the back of the original loop	Pass the end through the newly formed loop. Pull tight by pulling on the main part (standing part) of the active rope (bottom left corner of picture).

Figure of Eight

Used : As a stopper knot to prevent the rope slipping through an eye hole ie on Jib Sheets

Make a loop in the rope	Twist the loop twice to get an eight shape	Tuck the end through the original loop and pull tight.

Sheepshank

Used : To shorten a length of rope or take the strain off a worn part of the rope.

This will only work if the strain is kept on each end of the rope

Put couple of loops in the rope to shorten the rope to the desired length	Put an additional loop at each end of the original loops ensuring that the end of the rope comes down on the inside of the loop and on top of the main rope.	Tuck the original loops into each of the newly formed loops. The ends should be underneath the original loop.

Fold the end loops in to capture the original loops	Pull tight on the rope ends to tighten	This knot can be made more secure by tucking the ends through each of the end loops.

Clove Hitch

Used : Securing boat to a bollard; securing tent poles; starting a lashing.

Pass the rope around the anchorage from front to back	Bring the working end up and across the hanging part	Take the end back down over the anchorage

Pass the end under the crossing turn	Pull on the hanging part to tighten.

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

Used : Mooring a boat; towing; generally securing a rope which must take a lot of strain.

This knot can take a lot of strain but still be easily untied.

Pass the rope around the anchorage from back to front.	Pass the rope around a second time to form the round turn.	Pass the working end across the front of the hanging end, around the back and through the formed loop to make the first half hitch

Repeat the hitch – across the front, around the back and through the loop.	Tighten.

Fishermans Knot

Used : To tie two ropes or lines of small or equal thickness

Lay the two lines side by side	Tie a simple knot with each of the free ends around the other line	Tighten the knots

Pull on the long ends to bring the knots together

Bowline

Used : Variety of uses as it will not slip loosen or jam.

Form a loop	Bring the free end up through the loop from the back (up the hole) leaving a hanging loop the required size	Pass the free end around the back of the hanging part (around the tree)

Drop the free end down through the original loop (down the hole)	Tighten by pulling on the hanging part and the two bits that went up and down the hole.