How to Tie Rope Knots and Lanyard Knots

Rope craft and knot work requires learning the knots in a chronological order. Knots are built upon. Start learning rope knots with the easiest and progress to the more difficult or complex knots. Lanyard knots are a weave style knot that result in a compressed rope lanyard. A lanyard knot is a bit more advanced than simple rope knots but is a logical step on the progression of knots and rope handling.

Instructions

  1. Basic Rope Knots

    • 1

      Begin with the figure eight knot. Take the working end (the end of the rope you wish the knot) and wrap it over itself so it resembles a figure-eight. Bring the working end up and through the first loop of the figure-eight to lock it into position.

    • 2

      Progress to the double figure-eight knot. Make a bit (a loop) on the end of the rope and bring the working end back through the loop and make a figure-eight knot. Take the working end and "follow the knot" so it forms a double figure-eight with the bite sticking up from the top loop of the knot.

    • 3

      Take the working end of the rope and twist it so you have a loop approximately 10 inches down the rope. Make a bite with the working end and push the bite through the loop. Pull both ends of the knot to tighten. This is the bowline knot, a handy and useful rope knot.

    Lanyard Knot

    • 4

      Take the length of cord (start with a 24 inch length) and loop the center like you would if tying your shoe lace. Bring one end up and over the lace-loop, then bring the opposite side up and over and push the working end through the center. The result looks like a pretzel.

    • 5

      Repeat the Step 1 pretzel wrap and push the knot down onto the one prior and continue to make the pretzels and pushing them down until you reach the open end of the weave. This is the Lanyard Cobra knot.

    • 6

      Fold the open working ends into the center of the lanyard cord and pull on the bite sticking up and out of the lanyard to tighten and "lock" the knot. Attach keychains or carabiners to the bite.