KNOT REFERENCE

ESSENTIAL KNOTS (MUST KNOW)

January 29, 2026 4 min read

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  1. OVERHAND KNOT

Simplest knot – building block for others

Uses:

  • Stopping rope fraying
  • Creating stopper at rope end
  • Foundation for other knots

Method:

  1. Make loop with working end
  2. Pass working end through loop
  3. Pull tight

Strength: Weak (50% loss) but very secure Jamming: Can jam tight when wet Rating: ⭐ Foundation knowledge

  1. FIGURE-8 KNOT

Better stopper than overhand

Uses:

  • Rope end stopper (won’t pull through)
  • Preventing rope slipping through hole
  • Foundation for figure-8 loop

Method:

  1. Make loop with working end
  2. Pass working end AROUND standing end
  3. Pass working end back through original loop (creates “8” shape)
  4. Pull tight

Strength: Better than overhand (retains ~75% rope strength) Jamming: Easier to untie than overhand when loaded Rating: ⭐⭐ Preferred stopper

  1. REEF KNOT (SQUARE KNOT)

Joining two ropes of EQUAL diameter

Uses:

  • Tying package/bundle
  • First aid bandages
  • Quick temporary join

Method:

  1. “Right over left, left over right”
  2. Take right rope over left, tuck under
  3. Take left rope (now on right) over right (now on left), tuck under
  4. Pull tight

Critical: Both ends on same side (if opposite sides = GRANNY KNOT, useless)

⚠️ WARNING: NOT for critical loads (slips if ropes different diameter or material) Jamming: Can jam if wet/loaded Rating: ⭐⭐ Limited use (replaced by sheet bend for most purposes)

  1. SHEET BEND

Joining two ropes (different diameters acceptable)

Uses:

  • Extending rope length
  • Joining natural cordage to synthetic
  • Tarp guy line extensions

Method:

  1. Make bight in THICKER rope
  2. Pass thinner rope UP through bight
  3. Around BEHIND both parts of bight
  4. Tuck under itself (working end parallel to itself)
  5. Pull tight

Mnemonic: “Through, around, and tuck”

Strength: Excellent for joining different ropes Jamming: Moderate (can usually untie) Double sheet bend: Extra wrap for security (slippery rope) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Essential joining knot

  1. BOWLINE

“King of knots” – non-slip loop

Uses:

  • Fixed loop at rope end
  • Rescue (loop around person)
  • Hanging objects (pot over fire)
  • Securing to post/tree

Method (traditional “rabbit” story):

  1. Make small loop in standing end (“rabbit hole”)
  2. Working end comes UP through hole (“rabbit out of hole”)
  3. Goes AROUND behind standing end (“around tree”)
  4. Goes back DOWN through original hole (“back in hole”)
  5. Pull tight

Alternative method: One-handed

  1. Make big loop
  2. Twist rope to create small loop
  3. Pull working end through small loop
  4. Around and back down

Strength: Very strong, retains ~70% rope strength Jamming: NEVER jams (can always untie after loading) Critical feature: Loop size doesn’t change under load Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ MASTER THIS

  1. CLOVE HITCH

Quick attachment to post/pole

Uses:

  • Securing tarp to tree
  • Starting lashings
  • Quick temporary tie
  • Adjustable (can slide along pole)

Method 1 (around pole):

  1. Wrap rope around pole
  2. Cross over standing end
  3. Wrap around pole again (second turn)
  4. Tuck working end under second wrap
  5. Pull tight

Method 2 (over top of pole):

  1. Make two identical loops in rope (both same direction)
  2. Place second loop behind first
  3. Drop both loops over post top
  4. Pull tight

Strength: Moderate Jamming: Can jam if heavily loaded ⚠️ WARNING: Can slip if load changes direction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Very useful, quick

  1. TIMBER HITCH

Securing to logs for dragging

Uses:

  • Dragging firewood
  • Hoisting logs
  • Temporary grip on round objects

Method:

  1. Wrap rope around log
  2. Bring working end around standing end
  3. Tuck working end back under itself (3-4 wraps around itself)
  4. Pull tight – grips harder when loaded

Strength: Excellent grip under load Jamming: Releases easily when tension removed Feature: Self-tightening (more pull = tighter grip) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Perfect for purpose

  1. TAUT-LINE HITCH

Adjustable loop – tension guy lines

Uses:

  • Tarp guy lines (adjust tension)
  • Tent lines
  • Any line needing adjustment under load

Method:

  1. Wrap working end around standing end (INSIDE loop)
  2. Make second wrap (still inside loop)
  3. Third wrap OUTSIDE loop (toward load)
  4. Tuck working end through outside wrap
  5. Pull tight

Function: Slides when loose, grips when loaded Adjustment: Push knot to adjust, pulls tight under tension Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Essential for shelters

  1. PRUSIK KNOT

Sliding grip on rope – climber’s knot

Uses:

  • Ascending rope
  • Safety backup
  • Adjustable attachment to main line

Requirements: SMALLER diameter cord wrapping LARGER diameter rope

Method:

  1. Make loop with small cord (sheet bend or grapevine)
  2. Wrap loop around main rope
  3. Pass loop through itself
  4. Wrap around main rope again (2-3 wraps total)
  5. Pull tight

Function: Slides when unloaded, grips when loaded Direction: Can slide both directions (unlike taut-line) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Specialized but invaluable

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