Like many, my journey into the world of outdoor skills began with scouting, specifically Cub Scouts. While my scouting career was brief, it sparked a lifelong interest in practical abilities, and knot tying was one of the most enduring skills I picked up.
I’ve always been fascinated by knots. Even now, if I come across a piece of string or rope, I instinctively start tying a few familiar knots. There’s a satisfaction in knowing how to manipulate these simple tools to create something useful.
This guide serves as a refresher for those who may have forgotten their scouting days and a basic introduction for anyone new to knot tying. Each knot has its specific purpose, so understanding when and why to use each one is key. And please excuse—or perhaps appreciate—my hand-drawn diagrams!
The overhand knot is the first knot most of us learn. It’s incredibly common and has its uses, primarily for simple tasks like tying shoelaces or quick fastenings where absolute security isn’t crucial.
Tying an overhand knot twice in a row often results in a granny knot, which is weaker and less reliable. We won’t focus on the granny knot here. Many knots have stronger and weaker variations. For the overhand knot’s family, the square knot is the superior, stronger version. A simple way to tie a square knot, as I recently showed my wife, Cheri, is to start with an overhand knot, then tie another overhand knot but in reverse. If the first was right-over-left, make the second left-over-right. The final result should look like this:
I’ll use two different colored ropes in some diagrams to illustrate how to connect two ropes. However, these knots can also be tied using a single rope to create loops or secure objects. Imagine a loop extending from the bottom right (yellow) end, going right, down, under, and connecting to the bottom left (red) end.
With a slight increase in complexity, you can learn a set of knots that will handle a large percentage of your knot-tying needs. The Figure 8 knot is arguably the most fundamental knot, essential for climbing, rescue situations, and overall demonstrating competent knot tying skills.
On its own, the Figure 8 knot is not very useful. But mastering the follow through technique unlocks its true potential. The Figure 8 follow through can join two ropes of similar diameter (note that the sheet bend is specifically designed for ropes of different sizes). It can also create a loop in a rope for a prusik loop, form a loop around a climbing harness, and much more. To perform a follow through, take another line or the free end of the same line and retrace your path through the knot. Start at one end, follow the strand through the Figure 8, and tighten it securely. When done correctly, it should look like this:
To create a loop using the Figure 8, start by tying a Figure 8 knot, but leave a long loose end. Take this free end and thread it back into the knot where it initially exited. (For clarity, the rope color changes in the diagram below to help you follow the path.)
Imagine in the image below that one end of the rope is extremely long, perhaps attached to an anchor high on a rock face, and the loop you’ve created is connected to your harness. This illustrates the Figure 8 loop’s strength and reliability in critical situations.
Furthermore, instead of retracing back through the exit point, you can also follow back through the starting point of the knot. This variation also creates a dependable loop, offering flexibility depending on the situation.
Finally, there’s a quicker method for making a loop at the end of a line, useful when you have a clip available, like a carabiner. This shortcut leverages the carabiner for efficiency.
Speaking of loops, the Bowline knot is a must-know for anyone spending time outdoors. This is a personal favorite, used in countless situations where a quick, reliable loop is needed. Crucially, it’s as easy to untie as it is to tie, even after being under load. Picture a scene like “The Man from Snowy River,” where you’re stranded on a ledge during a storm and someone throws you a rope. The Bowline is the knot you’d use to secure it around your waist or create a foot loop to be hauled up. A good test of your knot skills is to practice tying a Bowline one-handed and blindfolded. Once mastered, this knot will become second nature.
As children, we often learned the Bowline with a story about a fox, rabbit, or squirrel. In this illustration, I’ve made the rope end into a fox head for a visual aid. First, you create a loop (the hole), then the fox comes up through the hole, goes around the tree (the standing line), and back down the hole.
The sheet bend is a frequently underestimated knot, but given its primary use, it’s more vital than many others listed here. The sheet bend is my go-to knot for joining two ropes together. Its superpower is its ability to securely connect ropes of different materials or diameters. Many of the knots mentioned earlier work best with uniform lines and can fail when used with ropes of varying sizes. This becomes a serious safety concern when you’re depending on the knot in an emergency. With the sheet bend, the thicker rope or line should be the red one in the diagram.
For added security, you can repeat the final step, making two complete wraps instead of one. Note: This image shows the same knot but from the opposite perspective. This double sheet bend enhances the knot’s holding power, especially when dealing with slippery or significantly different ropes.
The final knot in this basic Knot Tying Guide is the clove hitch. The clove hitch excels at quickly tying off to a rail or post. Think of securing a boat fender to a rail, tethering a horse to a fence post, or attaching a tarp to a tree branch. It’s a simple yet highly effective knot for these straightforward tasks.
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Cheers!
Matt Smith
