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Basic Knots

Choose a knot below, or scroll down for more information:  
Figure 8 Knot - stopper knot

Non-binding, quick and convenient stopper knot.

Half Hitch - Basic Knots

Used to tie rope around an object and back to itself.

Half Knot - Simple binding knot

Simple binding knot: first step of the Square (Reef) Knot.

Noose Knot - Loop that tightens when pulled

Creates a loop that tightens when pulled.

Overhand Knot - Single-Strand Stopper Knot

The simplest of the Single-Strand Stopper Knots

Sheet Bend Knot - Joins two ropes

Joins two ropes of unequal, or similar, size

Slip Knot - Knot loosens when tail end is pulled

Simple loop in rope's end - loosens when tail end is pulled.

Square Knot - Simple way to join two ropes

Simple way to join two ropes made up of two Half Knots.

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Welcome to Basic Knots

Selection

The eight knots in this section are the most basic knots - the building blocks of knot tying. They illustrate the fundamental principles of knot tying. Many are also components of other knots or they provide the underlying structure. The Square Knot (Reef Knot) and Sheet Bend are the two basic methods of joining two ropes; and the Figure 8 underlies many other important knots.

Confusion

The terms Overhand Knot, Half Hitch, and Half Knot are often confused and frequently used as though they are interchangeable. Similarly with the Slip Knot and Noose. Their importance and their differences are explained for these five knots and cross-links are provided with each animation to facilitate quick comparison.

Other Sections

Many of these knots have critical uses in the various other sections of this website and, when space permits, these knots are repeated there.

Basic Knots

Stop End of Rope Fraying
The simplest knot
Figure 8 knot

Part of a Hitch
Half hitch

Part of a Square Knot
Half knot

Tie two ends together
Square knot (reef knot)
Best for ropes of different sizes

Temporary Stopper Knot
Slip knot

Loop Which Tightens When Pulled
Simple noose knot

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