A knot is the way you join two pieces of rope together to create a fixed loop. There are a few different kinds of knots and the best one for you depends on what you’re looking to do. For example, some knots are designed to lash items together while others are designed to be secure but release easily when you need them to.
Bowline Knot
This knot is used to make a loop on the end of a rope that cannot slip or shrink. It’s often taught as a Boy Scout knot and is illustrated with a rabbit coming out of a hole, running around a tree, and then back down into its original hole. Tie it by forming a loop on top of the long end of the rope, then pass the working end up through the loop and around behind the long end. Once the “rabbit” is back down his hole, pull up to tighten the bowline knot.
Butterfly Knot
The butterfly knot is a great choice when you want a knot that will slide, but not grab, when you pull on it. It’s also easy to tie and untie, so it can be an excellent choice for tying things like fishing lines or securing rope to your backpack.
Square Knot
The square knot is a classic rope-tying method that can connect two ropes of the same diameter. This knot was traditionally used by sailors for reefing sails, but it is also popular with climbers as a way to connect a climbing harness to a fixed ridgeline.
1. Sheet Bend
The sheet bend is the ideal knot for tying two different-size ropes together, especially if the ropes are smooth or slippery. It’s also useful for tying ropes of different thicknesses.
2. Farmer’s Loop
A farmer’s loop is a simple, easy-to-tie knot that works for taking up slack in a line of any weight, as well as tying tools and other objects to the end of the rope. It’s often tied to tie-outs for a furry friend, but it can also be tied to tie hammocks or suspend bear bags from trees.
3. Heaving Line Knot
The heaving line knot is a handy way to add bulk and weight to the end of a cordage, so it can be thrown more easily. It’s a common rope-tying technique for tying up people in deer stands, attaching hammocks or bear bags to branches, and for throwing cordage over a dock or boat.
4. Prusik Loop
The Prusik loop is a favorite among climbers as a backup “hand” when abseiling or as a jamming knot for ascending a main rope. It also works well as a quick-release knot for tying a tarp to a fixed ridgeline, and is sometimes tied around rescuers’ waists in emergency situations.
5. Double Knot
The double knot is an easy-to-tie and effective way to make a loop in the middle of a rope. It’s often tied around a climber’s harness to keep the rope from slipping and getting caught when climbing, and it’s also often used by fishermen as a way to hang lures or rigs from their line.