Knots are such a normal part of our everyday lives that we seem to forget their significance, but what we take as a regular part of our day is perhaps one of the most intriguing survival modes that we often neglect. A good knot has the ability to save lives in rescue situations, especially over height or water, but more than that, good knot tying is essential for certain careers. So, are you ready to learn some easy ways to tie different types of knots? First, we need to explore what a knot is and then we look at some of the different types of knots you should know about.
What is a knot?
A knot is any type of splice or fastening that forms by twisting and intertwining rope or any other material capable of being intertwined. Knots are commonplace in everyday culture, from tying a necktie to the bow at the back of a little girl’s dress, but there are some knots that are way more complicated that are used in certain careers, but still may be necessary for the average person to learn.
There are some different terms to know when it comes to knot tying, but the two we will focus on most in this article are lashing and a hitch. A hitch is very similar to a regular knot, but it normally includes another object, such as a ring, a stick and sometimes maybe even another rope. A lashing however involves a more complex hitch. It is formed when a rope (or any similar material) is used to secure two items together. Below, we examine 5 different types of knots and show you the easiest ways to tie these knots.
1. How to tie a Reef Knot AKA Square Knot
Reef or square knots are one of the most basic and easy to learn types of knots. The reef or square knot is a more secure and stable version of its cousin, the granny knot, which is the basic knot we use to tie our shoes. Reef or square knots are normally used in situations where two different materials need to be tied together. It is normally used in situations where people are trying to make a longer rope, so they use a reef or square knot to tie two different lengths of rope together.
A secure reef or square knot can be tied by lapping one rope from right over left, and then underneath the other, and then finish by tying it the same way again in a reverse direction (from left over right and then underneath). An easy way to tell if you’ve done it right is by looking if the working end and the standing end of each piece of rope is parallel to each other.
2. How to tie a Bowline Knot
A bowline knot is normally easily identified by having a fixed “eye” at the end of the rope and is often used because it is both easy to tie and untie, but mostly being easier to untie after being subjected to a load. It is considered to be one of the most important knots, along with the clove hitch and the sheet bend (both listed below), and is easy to do if you follow these simple steps.
The bowline is created when you form a loop at the top end of the line, and then pass the working end of the line up to and through the loop and then behind the line. Follow up by passing the working end through the original loop, ensuring you maintain the shape of the second loop you created. This then becomes your bowline loop, and as the poem says, once the rabbit is stationed back safely in its hole, pull the tree to then tighten your bowline, and voila!
3. How to tie a Clove Hitch Knot
Also one of the most essential knots to master when it comes to knot tying is the clove hitch knot. It is normally used to secure a line on a tree or post, but is usually used along with other knots to keep it secure.
It is normally formed on a tree, and is made when you loop the rope around the tree. Following this, make another loop, then pass the free end of the rope under the second loop that was made, before fastening the knot. To tie over a post, repeat the steps in this article.
4. How to tie a Fisherman’s Knot
As the name obviously suggests, the fisherman’s knot is normally used for those that go fishing, and is usually only good for use with a fishing line.
It is a bit more complex in its formation, but it can generally be formed by following these simple steps. If using a fish hook, pass the free end of the fish line through the hook, following which you can wrap the free end of line around the other side of the line approximately six times. After this, pass the free end of the line through the triangle-shaped opening, next to the fish hook (or any object being used). Be sure to moisten the fishing line with some form of oil to prevent the friction that will be caused by dryness. After you have gotten your perfect fisherman’s knot, tighten the knot and enjoy your day of fishing!
5. How to tie a Sheet Bend Knot
Also referred to as the weaver’s hitch, weaver’s knot and sometimes called the becket bend in many countries worldwide. It is considered to be one of the most essential knots to tie, and as such has been listed in the International Guild of Knot Tyers Six Knot Challenge. Ready to find out how to perfect the sheet bend knot?
It can be tied in several ways, but one of the most basic ones is by gathering your two different ropes, then bending the thicker rope into the shape of the letter “J”. After this, just pass the other rope straight through the hook shape from behind, then wrap it around the fish hook. After this, tuck the smaller piece of rope between itself and the other rope, and your sheet bend knot will be formed!
List of different types of knots
Here is an illustration that lists different types of knots and their names, demonstrated with strong rope.
There you have it, our easy ways to tie different types of knots. If you ever forget them, just refer back to this post – until then, happy knotting!