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Introduction to Terminology

Bight, Loop, OverhandBright, Loop, Overhand

Knots are formed by using the bight-turn-tuck. Even the most complex knot can be figured out it you remember these terms.

The bight is formed by laying the end of the rope against the standing part or long end.

Loops, overhand or underhand, are just what their names say.

With these three turns, you can make any sort of knot.

A turn is wrapping the rope around something and a tuck is to insert the running end or a bight into a loop.

Fisherman’s Knots

Fisherman’s KnotFisherman’s Knot

Double Fisherman’s KnotDouble Fisherman’s Knot

Single Bowlinespan class=”inline left”>Single Bowline

The name of this knot is pronounced like (bow-lin). Sailors use this knot to tie their sails up. Once firmly snugged, it will not release to pressure until undone. Many large freighters and other big boats are moored with simple knots like this. The bowline has the added feature that it can easily be undone when wet.

Prusik KnotPrusik Knot

The Prusik is used extensively in climbing, which is why you’ll need to know it before you attend action camp. This knot is useful for holding onto a vertical rope with friction.

Hitches

Half HitchHalf Hitch

The half hitch is the start of a number of other hitches and is useful all by itself as a temporary attaching knot. It will hold against a steady pull on the standing part, especially if a stopper knot like the stevedore’s knot or figure eight is put in the end.

Two Half HitchesTwo Half Hitches

This is a reliable and useful knot for attaching a rope to a pole or boat mooring. As its name suggests, it is two half hitches, one after the other. To finish, push them together and snug them by pulling on the standing part.

Girth Hitch, Overhand Slip-Knot, Clove HitchGirth Hitch, Overhand Slip-Knot, Clove Hitch

These hitches are more complicated versions of the above.

Water KnotWater Knot

This knot is used with webbing or straps. It binds two such items together.