Knots Used to Keep Rope From Unraveling

There are many types of knots one can learn when tying rope, but only a few specific knots can be used to stop a rope from unraveling. Getting acquainted with the different types of rope and thickness determines the knot one would tie. Always make sure to practice tying knots and get familiar with using them.

  1. Whipping Knot

    • The most common knot intended to keep a rope from unraveling is a whipping knot, and the common whipping is the easiest type of a whipping knot. Any type of twine can used, but the size of the rope determines the size of the twine.

      Whipping takes place a short distance from the end of the rope, usually one and a half times the diameter of the rope. Laying the head of the twine along the rope, make a bight (curved section or loop between two ends of a rope). Beginning wrapping the twine around the bight and rope tightly, making sure not to cover the bight completely. Wrap twine until the whipping is one and a half times wider than the rope. Slip the loose end of the twine through the bight and pull to tighten. secure loose end by tying off into a knot or tucking into whipping.

    Matthew Walker Knot

    • A Matthew Walker knot is tied by unraveling the strands from the end of a twisted rope, knotting the strands together, then weaving the strands together again. To tie, take each strand and form a loop around the rest of the un-stranded bundle, then pass the end through the newly formed loop, similar to an overhand knot. Continue with the next strand, forming a loop around the bundle, but then sticking the end through the previous-formed loop. Make sure you move in one direction the whole time, otherwise strands won't stay in the loop. Continue until all three strands are looped and pulled through, then pull to tighten.

    Double Crown Knot

    • A crown knot is another effective way to prevent a rope from unraveling. Start by making a constriction around the rope, about eight centimeters from the end. Tie constriction in a knot to hold it or use tape. Next, unravel the end of the rope to the constriction, then bind the ends with tape to stop from unraveling. Double one strand (stand A) over itself (like a bight), laying it in between the other two strands (Strands B and C). Next, pull strand B over the end of strand A and lay it between strands A and C. Pass strand C through the loop made in strand A by making the bight, then carefully pull all three strands upwards. To create a double crown knot, proceed by tying another crown knot.