7 Knots You Should Know How to Tie

The ability to tie quality knots is one of those things that quietly impresses people and drips with the aura of “capable”. It’s odd how regularly we find ourselves needing to tie something proficiently, yet most of us can only muster double knots. Triple, if it really has to be strong.

For some reason, we are never taught to tie much besides our shoes, and that just isn’t enough to handle all of life’s “need a good knot” tasks. Mastering a few useful knots isn’t difficult to learn, but finding the time to learn how to tie them somehow seems too daunting.

Here is a list of seven special knots that can make life easier, with info about the right knot for which job and links to videos explaining how to tie them.

1. Bowline Knots

Source: Helpful DIY/Youtube

A bowline knot is ideal for creating a loop, one that doesn’t shrink or expand at the end of a rope. It’s both easy to tie and easy to untie, even after holding a load. Bowline knots are good for tying up hammocks, anchoring something, and rock-climbing tasks. This knot is considered one of the most essential by knot-tiers in the loop; it is even called the King of Knots by some.

2. Square Knots

Source: Bob Hansler/Youtube

Square knots are sometimes called reef knots. Whatever name is used, this knot is a close relative of the granny knot (used for tying shoes), and it is a type of binding knot. It is perfect for connecting to secure an object in place without the rope shrinking or lengthening. Square knots are good for tying shoes more securely, wrapping gifts, securing bundles, and cinching up a coiled rope. It’s also common in macramé.

3. Figure 8 Knots

Source: Howcast/Youtube

Figure eight knots are a type of stopper knot. It is considered better than the common overhead knot, another stopper knot. Figure eight knots are easy to tie, and they are easier to undo than overhead knots after they’ve been jammed against something. This is the kind of knot that is used to keep a rope from pulling through retaining devices and is used extensively in rock climbing and sailing.

4. Sheet Bend Knots

Source: Mark the braider/Youtube

Sheet bend knots are also known as the weaver’s hitch, becket bend, and weaver’s knot. It is a great way to tie two pieces of rope, yarn, or thread together. It is especially recognized as being effective even if the ropes aren’t of equal size (diameter). It holds very well under pressure, but it is also non-binding and remains easy to untie when the job is done.

5. Double Half Hitch

Source: Marching North/Youtube

The double half hitch, or two half hitches knot, is a combination of an overhand knot wrapped around something and a half hitch (not actually two half hitches). This knot is the right knot for tying a line to a dock or post or tree. It can also be useful when moving or pulling something large, such as a fallen tree limb.

6. Taut-Line Hitch

Source: Troop Leader/Youtube

A taut-line hitch, like the bowline, is loop knot, but it is better suited for instances when the length of the line will need to be periodically adjusted. It is also called the tent-line hitch, rigger’s hitch, and adjustable hitch. This knot is very useful when tying down tents, for climbing trees, or creating adjustable moorings in tidal areas.

7. Clove Hitch

Source: Trailguide Pictures/Youtube

Along with the bowline knot and sheet bend, the clove hitch completes the triumvirate of important knots. The knot is ideal when the length of rope needs to be adjustable. With the clove hitch, the cord is wrapped around an object twice and pulled tautly. It works very well when pressure is constant on a line, and it can be untied easily afterward. It can, however, slip when pressure is erratic. It’s good for quick clotheslines, tying down tarps, and securing cargo.

Not only is extremely useful to know how to tie a few choice knots but also calling them by their proper names, should the time arise, is going to really impress folks. That’s always fun.

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