Knots
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A knot is a bond formed by tying a rope to itself, to another rope, or to an object. Unless you tie them often, knots can be confusing. One wrong move can render a knot useless or dangerous. To make knots easier to learn and remember, we'll often link them to stories of a clever mouse leading a friendly but clueless snake into a series of twists and turns until he ties himself into a knot and can't continue the chase. To help decide which type of knot to use in a given situation, they're grouped into five usage categories: Stoppers, Hitches, Loops, Joiners, Binders (SHL-JB).
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Video

Knot Basics
Examine rope terminology and snake anatomy. Form basic figures like turns, holes, twists, hitches, and wraps. Count knot crossings and learn about knot strength, dressing, jamming, and capsizing.
9 pages		  
Knot Techniques
Expand your versatility by experimenting with a variety of knot-tying methods, tying knots to open vs. closed objects, moving knots without retying them, and untying jammed knots.
5 pages		  
Stoppers: Stop rope from slipping through something.
Overhand Knot
Other names: Simple Knot, Thumb Knot, Half Knot
Variations: Overhole, Underhole, Above, Below, With Slip
Notes: The basic pinching hole; used in many other knots.
4 pages		  
Multifold Overhand
Other names: Double overhand, Triple overhand, etc.
Variations: Add as many folds as desired.
Notes: Creates attractive barrel-shaped stoppers.		    
Figure Eight
Other names: Flemish
Variations:
Notes: Larger stopper, easier to untie than Overhand Knot.		    
Hitches: Attach rope tightly to something.
Half Knot Hitch
Other names: Overhand loop
Variations: Noose, Lifting hitch		    
Slip Knot Hitch
Other names:
Variations:		    
Half Hitch
Other names:
Variations: Double half hitch, Round turn & 2 half hitches, Pipe hitch		    
Clove Hitch
Other names:
Variations: See Constrictor in Binders section.
Notes: Can slip under load.		    
Cow Hitch
Other names: Larkspur, Cat's Paw
Variations:		    
Tautline Hitch
Other names: Rolling hitch, Guyline
Variations:
Notes: Use to adjust tension on tent rope or clothesline.		    
Trucker's Hitch
Other names:
Variations:
Notes: Use to securely tie down the load in a truck.		    
Timber Hitch
Other names:
Variations:
Notes: Use to drag a log or a pipe. Does not jam.		    
Loops: Attach rope loosely to something.
Bowline
Other names:
Variations: Double Loop Bowline
Notes: For loop at end of rope. Does not jam.		    
Double Loop Bowline
Other names: Bowline on bight
Variations:
Notes: Use to lower a person. One leg in each loop.		    
Figure Eight Loop
Other names:
Variations: Free loop, Threaded
Notes: 		   
Butterfly Knot
Other names:
Variations:
Note: For loop in middle of rope.		    
Joiners: Join ropes together.
Sheet Bend
Other names: Simple bend, Common bend.
Variations: Double sheet bend.
Notes: Best for joining smaller rope to larger.		    
Carrick Bend
Other names: Anchor bend, Sailor's knot,
Variations:
Notes: Does not slip when wet. Strong. Can't jam. Easily untied.		    
True Lover's Knot
Other names: Fishermans, Anglers
Variations: Double, Triple		    
Splice
Other names:
Variations: Eye splice		    
Binders: Bind things together.
Square Knot
Other names: Reef, Hercules, Medical
Variations: Shoelace knot, Granny/False, Thief's
Notes: Easy to tie, but prone to capsizing.		    
Constrictor Knot
Other names:
Variations:
Notes: Good for holding glued parts together or tying a bag shut.		    
Whipping
Other names: Seizing
Variations:
Notes: Keeps end of rope from fraying or binds rope to itself.		    
Lashing
Other names:
Variations:
Notes: Joins poles or logs together to form structure or raft.		    

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