Knot Tying Reference
Common knots with category, use case and tying steps.
Bowline — Loop · Forms a fixed loop at the end of a rope.
Make a small loop, pass the working end up through it, around the standing line and back down through the small loop.
Figure-eight — Stopper · Stopper knot, also used as a starting knot in climbing.
Form a loop, twist once, then thread the working end through the upper loop.
Clove hitch — Hitch · Attach a rope to a post or carabiner. Slips under variable load.
Wrap rope around the post, cross over, wrap again, tuck the end under the last wrap.
Two half hitches — Hitch · General-purpose hitch around a post, more secure than clove.
Pass rope around post, take a half hitch around the standing line, then another in the same direction.
Square knot — Bend · Join two ropes of the same diameter.
Right over left, then left over right.
Sheet bend — Bend · Join two ropes, including different diameters.
Form a bight in the thicker rope; thread the thinner up through, around, and tuck it under itself.
Taut-line hitch — Hitch · Adjustable hitch for guy lines.
Make two wraps around the standing line on the loaded side, then one wrap on the unloaded side, tucking the end.
Trucker's hitch — Compound · Mechanical advantage to tighten loads.
Form a slipknot loop in the middle of the line, pass the working end around the anchor, back through the loop, and pull tight, then secure with two half hitches.
Prusik — Friction · Climbing-grade friction hitch.
Loop a small accessory cord around the main rope three times through itself.
Alpine butterfly — Loop · Forms a fixed loop in the middle of a rope.
Twist a bight twice, then pull the top of the bight through the lower opening.