Knots & How to Tie Them

Knots can play an important role in a number of activities, such as rock climbing and boating. It is vital to learn how to tie the relevant knots under the supervision of a professional in the field before attempting to undertake one of these activities. In the case of rock climbing, a knot is used to doubly secure the climber's rope to the harness to ensure that the climber doesn't fall. It can also be important to know how to tie tight knots in some rescue situations.

Things You'll Need

  • Two pieces of rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie a figure-eight knot with a single piece of rope. Make a loop in the rope. Run the end of the rope behind and around itself before running it down through the loop. Pull the knot tight and this will form a figure eight. You can then add to this knot to create a figure-eight bend. Do this by following the path of the knotted rope with a second piece of rope. The loose ends of either rope should be at opposite ends of the figure eight. These knots are used for rock climbing, boating and rescue.

    • 2

      Tie the double overhand stopper knot by wrapping the end of the rope around itself twice before bringing the end of the rope back and through both turns. The rope should exit the knot by following the original direction of the rope. Pull to create a tight and secure knot. This knot can also be used to tie two ropes together by bringing another rope through the two turns in the opposite direction. This rope can then be wound around itself along with the body of the first rope two times before running the end of the rope through the two turns and pulling it tight. This knot is used in rescue situations to prevent the end of a rope from coming loose.

    • 3

      Tie the square or reef knot using two ropes. Begin by crossing the ends of the rope. Bring each end around the other piece of rope to form a half-knot, or what is sometimes referred to as the half-hitch. Now bring the two rope ends upward to meet one another again and tie them to form a second half-knot. Pull this tight with the rope ends leading off in opposite directions. This knot is used on boats to tie same-sized ropes together. It is not suitable for holding the weight of a person, although it can be used to secure a sail.