How to Make a Square Knot by Adjusting It

Square knots are useful in that they are used for joining together two different ropes or strands, forming one continuous piece of cordage. It's important to note that the square knot is not the most efficient or the strongest knot for joining two ropes, as its breaking strength is 45 percent of the rated line strength of the rope. Also, if a square knot is being used to join ropes of different diameters, the knot will have a greater tendency to slip.

Instructions

    • 1

      Tie a square knot, starting out by tying the hitch used for the first half of tying your shoe. As you're tying this first part of the knot, pass the strand in your right hand over the one in your left hand. Poke the free end from the strand in your right hand through the loop.

    • 2

      Tie the same hitch again, this time passing the strand that is now in your left hand over the strand in your right hand and through the loop. Remember the phrase, "right over left, left over right" to help tie the knot correctly every time.

    • 3

      Inspect the knot to see if it has the symmetry as pictured in the image. Pull the knot to test and see if it self-binds. If it slips or rolls over, it is either not dressed correctly or it is not tied correctly.

    • 4

      Adjust the square knot by dressing it so that it accomplishes the symmetry. Roll the second hitch over so that both loose ends are coming out on the same side of the knot. If necessary, untie the second hitch in forming the square knot and retie it. For beginners, it is often easier to start over completely, tying the knot more slowly while saying the phrase mentioned in Step 2.

    • 5

      Retest the square knot, looking for the symmetry. Grab the loose end and the standing end of one of the strands in one hand and push them both toward the knot. If tied correctly, the square knot should loosen, revealing the two bights joined together.