Knots

Question 1

Bowline Knot

Answer 1

Bowline Knot Tying Form a small loop leaving enough rope for the desired loop size. Pass the end of the rope through the loop as though making an overhand knot. Continue around the standing end and then back through the small loop.

Question 2

Clove Hitch Using Half Hitches

Answer 2

Clove Hitch tying using Half Hitches
Form a loop in the working end of the rope. Place it over the post. Form a second loop identical to the first. Place it over the post and tighten.

Question 3

Reef Knot

Answer 3

Reef knot has many uses but not where safety is critical, e.g., you can tie a sail cover over a sail; you can tie the string on a gift; and you can tie the laces on your shoes (if they still come with laces). It is also one of the many knots used in macrame. More importantly, the experience of tying a Square Knot teaches the fundamental process of tying a Half Knot or Half Hitch.

Question 4

Half Hitch

Answer 4

Add a second Half Hitch to make the knot secure. These steps illustrate the usual method of tying Half Hitches.

Question 5

Square Lashing

Answer 5

Start with a Clove Hitch around one pole. Twist short end around long and wrap the rope around both poles, alternately going over and under each pole about three or four turns. Tighten the lashing by surrounding it with three or four frapping turns. Finish with two or three tight half hitches.

Question 6

Diagonal Lashing

Answer 6

Start with a single Timber Hitch around both poles. Wrap three or four turns around the two poles in one axis followed by three or four turns in the other axis. Tighten the lashing by surrounding it with three or four frapping turns. Finish with a Clove Hitch.

Question 7

Round Lashing

Answer 7

Start with a Clove Hitch around both poles. Wrap six or eight turns around the two poles. Finish with another Clove Hitch. Two Round Lashings can be used to make a longer pole.

Question 8

Shear Lashing

Answer 8

Tie a clove hitch around one pole. Wrap both poles with a simple lashing. Wrap the lashing with a two or three tight frapping turns. Tie off the end with a clove hitch. Spread the poles to make shear legs

Question 9

Tripod Lashing

Answer 9

Start with a Clove Hitch around one pole. Wrap about six racking turns around the three poles weaving in and out between them. Make two or three tight frapping turns in the two gaps. Finish with a Clove Hitch. Cross the two outside poles to form the tripod.

Question 10

Marlinspike Hitch Tying

Answer 10

Make a loop and through it tuck a bight of the standing end. Place the loop over the pole and tighten it. With a second rope, tie the same knot at the other end of the pole. Repeat to make a step ladder.

Question 11

Sheet Bend Tying

Answer 11

The Double Sheet Bend uses a second turn around the thicker rope. It is recommended when there is a great difference in the diameters of the two ropes.

Question 12

Sheepshank Knot Tying

Answer 12

Fold the rope to approximately the desired new length. Form a Half Hitch in one standing end, drop it over the adjacent bight, and tighten it. Form a Half Hitch in the other standing end, drop it over its adjacent bight, and then tighten it too. Apply the load carefully.

Question 13

Timber Hitch Tying

Answer 13

Pass the end of the rope around the pole and then around the standing end. Wrap the end around itself three times and tighten the knot so that the three turns are gripped against the pole.

Question 14

Figure 8 (Flemish) Knot

Answer 14

Pass the tail over itself to form a loop. Continue under and around the standing end. Complete the knot by passing the tail down through the loop.