MORE THAN 50 OF THE MOST USEFUL KNOTS FOR CAMPING,

SAILING, FISHING, AND CLIMBING

Peter Owen
I
PETER OWEN
BOOKS
AN IMPRINT OF
RUNNING PRESS
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
A QUINTET BOOK
Fir!it publ ished in 1993
by Running Press
Copyright 1993 Quintet Publlshins Limited,
Al l rights reserved, No P<' rt of this publication mlly be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in lIny form or by lIny means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the of tile copyright
holder.
987654321
Digit on the right indicates the number of this printing
Library of Congress
Cataloging-in-Publiclltion Number
92-54943
ISBN 1-56138-225-6
This book was designed and produced by
Quintet Publishing Limited
6 Blundf:11 Street
London N7 9BH
Project Editor: Uiur" Standelson
Creetive Director: Richard Dewing
Designer: James U1wrence
Editor: Lydia DlIrbyshi re
II lustrllt or: Peter Owen
I'hot ogrllpher!i: Paul Forrester, George Steel e
Typeset in Grellt Britain by
Central SOuthern Typesetter!i, Eastbourne
MCinufactured in Singapore by J Film Process pte Ltd
Printed in Singapore by Stllr Standerdlndustries Pte Ltd
Published by Courege Books, lin Imprint of
Running Press Book Publishers
125 South Twenty-second Street
PhilCidel pt)llI, 19103
WARNING
Synthetic rope melts when heated. Friction may therefore cause the
rope to weaken and break. The result,. especiaDy for climbers. could
be fatal . Readers are strongly advised to exerdse extreme caution
in situations where synthetic ropes may be exposed to
friction damage,
Page no
6
12
13
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
42
43
44
CONTENTS
Introduction
STOPPER KNOTS
Overhand knot
Overhand loop
Multiple overhand knot
Heavi ng line knot
Figure-ot-eight knot
HITCHES
Half hit ch
Highwayman's hitch
(ow hitch
Timber hitch
Transom knot
Constri ctor knot
Clove hitch
Clove hitch, dropped over a post
Clove hitch, made on a ring
fi sherman's bend
Cat's paw
Bill hitch
Rolling hitch
Round turn e! nd two half hitches
Italian hitch
Prusikknot
LOOPS
Figure-ot-eight loop
Threaded figure-of-eight
Bowline
Bowline, casting method
Climber's bowl ine
Bowline on a bight
Bowline, rope under tension
Spanish bowline

GP Cl CA Sl FS Page no
46
47
48
49

50

51

52

53
54

55

56

57

58

59
60

61

62
















63

64


65

66

67
68
70
71

72
73

74

75

76

77

78

79
KEY:
GP "" General Purpose
Cl "" Climbi ng
CA = ( ampl ng
SL = sailing
FS = Fishi ng
Angl er's loop
Three-part-crown
Alpine butterfly knot
BENDS
Reef knot
Capsized reef knot
Thief knot
Surgeon's knot
Fisherman's knot
Double fisherman's knot
Hunter's bend
Sheet bend
Fi gure-of-eight bend
Carrick bend
RUNNING KNOTS
Running bowline
Hangmen's knot
Noose
Tarbuck knot
SHORTENINGS
Sheepshank
Loop knot
FISHING KHOTS
Blood knot
Half tucked blood knot
Blood loop dropper knot
Turle knot
Water knot
Grinner knot
Double grinner knot
Double loop knot
Needle knot
Glossary
GP CL CAS L FS




























INTRODUCTION

A knot is simply a cDlmeclion in a thread, cord or length
of rope formed either by pnssing one free end - known as a
working end - through a loop and drawing it tight or by
intertwining or tying together pieces of thread, cord or
rope. However, there are several quite distinct groups of
knot - hitches and bends, binding knots, stopper knots,
knot s that form nooses or loops QlId knots that join small
lines together. Each knot serves a different purpose, and
although it is not necessary to know a large number of
different knots - four or five should suffice in most
circumstances - it is important to know which blOt is
best suited to the conditions in which it is to be used.
You should also bear in mind thai any knot, no matter
how carefully and securely tied, will reduce the breaking
sirain of a line by between 5 and 20 percent. Just before it
breaks, a knot slips. The more tightly you can draw a
knot when you are tying it , the greater the strain it will
withstal1d before it slips.

6
ROPE MANUFACTURE
Traditionally made rope is formed of the fi bers
of materials that have been twisted together.
If you look at an ordinary piece of three-strand
rope, you will find that it is laid right-handed -
that is, no ma tt er which way up you hold it, the
strands appear to ascend upward and to the
right. This is because when it is made, the first
group of fibers are twisted to form right-hand
yarni the yarn is then twisted together the other
way to form left-hand strands; and the strands
are twisted together to form right-laid rope. The
tension created by the alternate di recti on of the
twists holds the rope toget her and gives it
strength. Even when a st rand is uncoiled from
the rope, the remaining two strands wi ll cling
toget her, leavi ng a clearly defined gap in which
the missing strand should li e. The way a
separated strand is laid-up is a vital concept to
grasp for it is t, he basic principle on which
ropemaki ng is based.
Natural tiber ropes
Unti l about the ti me of World Wa r II, rope was
made from na tural materials - hemp and
manill a, cotton, coir, fl ax or sisal. Now,
however, a range of synthetic fibers means that
there is a specialized rope for every possible
application.
Most rope made from natural fibers is three-
strand and right-laid. Left-hand rope is much
scarcer and is often four-s trand. There is also a
six-strand rope, which is made in France, but
this type of rope has a hollow core, which has to
be filled wi th cheap stuff. Four-strand rope is
approxi mately 10 percent weaker than its three-
strand equivalent, and remarkable, cable-laid
line (that is, three three-strand ropes laid up
left-handed to form a ni ne-strand cable) is 40
percent weaker than the same size of hawser-
laid (that is, ordinary three-strand) rope.
There are many obvious problems associated
wi th natural fiber rope. When wet it swells,
making it extremely difficult to untie the knot -
the rope also tends to become qui te brittle.
Elements such as ha rsh sun and chemi cals also
tend to wea ther the rope.
Synthetic ropes
Even though natural rope is strong, it is not as
strong as it would be if the fibers ran the whole
length of the rope. Synthetic ropes, on the other
ha nd, can be made [rom one conti nuous length.
The filaments do not have to be twisted
together to make them cohere. A wide range of
synthetic ropes has been developed since World
War II, but they all share some characteristics:
size for size they are lighter than ropes made
from nat ural fibers; they are available in a
variety of colors; and they are cheaper than
Rop" is madr up of fibers
twisted together, filch in tke
opposite direction 10 the
previous one to form Ihe yam;
these are twisted loge/ker Ihe
opposite way 10 form slra'lds
whick in lum are Iwis/M to
form right-laid rope.
COMMONLY USED ROPE
E l A, ST ICA, T ED ' I J ~ G ( (
S I S A, l
7
( ~

z
~
~
0
Wkichevtr way you examine
"
right-hand laid rope, notia
c
how the strands a/ways
n
IlSand upward lind to the
~
right . Left-mmd lIIid rope is a
0
fllrity.
Z
s T ~ A, ... 0
Y A, R ...
FIBERS
z
o
~
v
=>
"
o
z
Sy111hrtic rope can be either
laid-up (above) or braided ill
IIle 5Ilme li.'fiy that natural
fiber rope is: all Oilier braided
slleatll surroUllds an inner
core (below); tile lalier is
markedly superior to thai of
laid-up ropt', eSI7f!cially in
climbing situations. laid-lip
rope is tire dlearer of the two.
natural fiber ropes. In addition, synthetic ropes
have a high tensile strength and outstanding
load-bearing qualities; they are capable of
absorbing shocks; they are immune to rot,
mildew and degradation from salt water; and
they are resistant to chemical damage and
corrosion from oils, petrol and most solvents.
Moreover, because they absorb less water than
ropes made of natural fibers, their breaking
strains remain more constant when they are
wet.
Nylon (polyamide) ropes are strong and
stretch, which make them useful for towing.
Nylon ropes also absorb shock loads extremely
well, and they do not float. Polyester ropes, on
the other hand, give very little stretch, although
they are nearly as strong as nylon ropes.
Polypropylene is used to make a popular
general-purpose rope, which is often used by
sailors, but it floats, which may rule it out for
some instances. Polyethylene rope is not as
strong as other types of synthetic rope and is
not widely used. One of the strongest of the
synthetic substances is aramide, but it is
expensive and sensitive to ultraviolet light.
One of the main disadvantages of synthetic
ropes, however, is that they are so smooth that
some knots slip undone. The old-fashioned
fiber ropes had their own built-in resistance to
slippage, but synthetic rope may need to be
secured by an extra half hitch or tuck. Partly to
overcome this, one kind of synthetic rope is
made in the old way, by first choppi ng up the
filaments into shorter lengths, and then,
twisting them in alternate directions, by
building up the strands and then the rope itself.
This is known as laid-up rope.
The other group of synthetic ropes are plaited
8
or braided. Plaited usually describes rope that i5
formed of solid plaits of four- or eight-stranded.
Braided rope has a sheath of 16 or more strands
surrounding an inner hollow braided core or a
solid core of parallel or only slightly twisted
filaments.
Another major problem that may be
encountered with synthetic ropes is that they
melt when they are hea ted, and it is possible for
sufficient heat to be generated simply by two
ropes rubbing against each other. This is,
obviously, of vital importance to mountaineers,
who should always be quite certain that none of
their ropes is likely to rub against another. Jt is
even possible for the heat generated by friction
to cause the rope that is tied in a knot to fuse
together, so that it can never again be untied.
A rope that is twice the diameter of another
will be four times as strong. It is not necessarily
always true, however, that the stronger of two
ropes is the one to select. In some
circumstances, elasticity may be more
important than strength - if the rope has to bear
shock loads, for example - an.d then a rope
made of polyester polyamide would be better.
Do not buy rope that is too stiff. Laid-up rope
that is made from relatively thick multifilaments
that are twisted tightly together will give
excellent resistance to wear but may be
awkward to tie, and knots may not hold well.
Remember that, despite what the salesman may
tell you, rope does not get more supple with
time. Beware, too, of very soft twisted rope.
Sailors should not use a rope that floats for
anchoring purposes in ports. A floating rope
will inevitably be severed by the propellers of
motor boats. Floating lines should be used only
for rescue work, light buoys and so forth.
How TO CHOOSE A ROPE
Rope should be chosen accordi ng to the situation for which it will be used
- considering carefully both the material and the type (braided or laid-
up).
Pu""""
.....,.
CUmbing Towing AnChorage
Moon""
Halyards Fishing
Material
purpose
Polyester
X X X
""'"
X X X X X X
"".
.-M X X
Sealing ends
When you buy synthetic rope (TOm a chandlery,
an electrically heated knife is used to cut the
rope to Ihe required lengt h. This gives a sharp
edge and seals the end. When you cut synthetic
rope yourself, however, you will probably use
an ordinary sharp knife and then melt the end
of the rope with a cigarette li ghter or an electric
ring.
looking after rope
Rope is expensive so always look after it. Try to
avoid dragging it over sharp or rough edges, or
over surfaces where particles of dirt and grit
will penetra te the fibers. Do not force rope into
harsh kinks. Use floating lines only for rescue
work, li ght buoys, etc.
COILING A ROPE
The junction of coiling is that
ropt will be immediately
ufll'SSibJl'ulld u7I/a7lgll'd
whell 1I=l1'd. Coiltd rupt is
usl'jul if you want to sling the
rope on your backpack OT OWl"
your shouldl'r.
Ill:
\
--)
( ----- - -.....,
dlJi ---------

9
SOME BREAKING LOADS
(l bs)
Diame-kr 1In : 25.4mm
6mm 8mm 10mm
aramldcore
2_
5510 ....
nykJn, 3-strand 1650 2980 4590
polyester, 3strand 1250 22'0 3500
polyester, 16-brald 2200 3750 5730
1100 2000 3000
poIythene, 3-strand 880 1540 2400
Before coiling it, always make sure tha i the
rope is dry, even if it is synthetic. If it has been
in sea water, rinse it with fres h water to remove
any deposits of salt. At the end of the season,
wash ropes thoroughly in a detergent, carefully
removing any oil or tar stains with petrol or
trichloroethylene.
Tying knots weakens ropes. The sharper the
curve and the tighter the nip, the greater is the
chance that the rope will break, and when it
does so it will brea k immediately outside the
knot. Many often-used knots are surprisi ngl y
harmful to rope, the worst offender being the
simple overhand knot (see page 12). Never use
two ropes of different materials together
because only the more rigid of the two will
work under strain.
o
o
c


o
z
z
o
~
u
~
Q
o
z
Selecting knots
One of the main reasons for selecting one knot
rather than another is the relative s trength of
the knots. This is especially true for climbers
and mountaineers, but it is also a consideration
for mariners. Other characteristics such as
speed and ease of tying, bulk and reliability will
also influence the choice.
Climbers gene rally use knots tha t aTe bulky
and that have several wrapping turns, which
are designed to absorb strains and to avoid
weakening the rope unnecessarily. Knots used
by climbers must be checked regularly,
eSpecially if stiff rope is used, because it is more
difficult to tie than more flexible line and the
knots may be less secure.
Anglers use similar, but much smaller, barrel-
shaped knots, partly to improve their chances
of a good ca tch and partl y to safeguard
expensive fishing gear.
Generally, you should also untie knots as
soon as possible afler use. This will be easier if
you choose a suitable knot in the firs t place.
And remember that knots that disappear when
they are sli pped off their foundations such as
the clove hitch and Prusik knot (see pages 24
and 34) are no less strong or secure.
Finally, remember that tying knots requires
practise. You must be able to tie them quickly
and easily when you are halfway lip a mountain
or at sea. The only way to gain the necessary
skill and confidence is to practise each knot over
and over aga in until the steps become
automatic and you do not have to think about
them. In some circumstances your life or the
lives of your companions could depend on it.
ROPE PARTS
STANDING END
R 0 P E
I G H T
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
The di"'gr",ms Ih"'l compl etely different knot .

GENERAL PURPOSE
accompany the The knots in thi s book can
descriptions of the knots be used i n different
are intended to be self situ",tions: general
expl ;!.natory. Theauows purpose, cl imbing, CAM"NG
indicate the directions in umping, 5.) iling and
which you should push or fishing; these n e shown
pull the working ends of below u symbols.
CllMllIoIG
your line, while the Each knot in the book is
dotted lines indicate accompanied by the
intermedi",te positions of rel ev;!.nt symbolJs;
~
the rope. Always follow designed to give you at", S A I l I 101 G
the order indicated of glance i nformation about
going over or under a the uses of a particular
length of line; reversing knot.
11
this order could result in a
f I S N I 101 G
10
OVERHANO KNOT
OVERHAtlO lOOP
"-"
MULTIPLE
OVERNANO KNOT
STOPPER KNOTS

This group of knots is most often used to prevent the end
of a length of rope, string or small stuff slipping through
an eye or a hole. Stopper knots can also be used to bind
the end of a line so that it will not unravel, and they can
also be used as decoration. At sea they are frequently used
to weight lines or on running rigging, and they are also
used by climbers, campers and fishermen.
The simple overhand knot, which is the basis of so many
other knots, is a stopper knot. Sailors tend to Il se the
Jigure eight knot for general use and multiple
overhand knots to weigh down or decorate the
ends of knots.

11
HEAVING lltlE
KtlOT
f i GURE EIGHT
KNOT
/
I
I
I I
I \
/
I
/
/
,
I
I
I
t?'
' - --""<3IIr-----

. ~ I Z D i OVERHAND KNOT

12
Also kllown ns: THUMB KNOT
This is the knot that forms the basis of mos t
other knots . In its own right it is used as a
simple stoppe r knot in the end of a line. It is
not, howeve r, widely used by sai lors as it is
extremely difficult to untie when the rope is
wet. Tight overhand knots on small stuff can
also be difficult to undo.
. ~ OVERHAND LOOP
t;;;;J
This is a rather ungainly knot, but it is
extremely useful in circumstances where a
bulky stopper is required. It is, in fact, the loop
that most people would tie without thinking i f
they needed to fasten a knot in the end of a
length of string. The drawback is that the line
wi!! probably have to be cut because the knot is
difficul t to untie.
j;;;;;; .1
,
/
. ~
I ~


MULTIPLE OVERHAND
KNOT
Also known as: BLOOD KNOT
This knot's alternative na me has a rather
gruesome derivation: the knot USL>d to be tied in
the ends of the lashes of the cat Q' nine ta ils, the
whi p used for flogging in both the British Army
and Navy until the punishment's official
abolit ion in 1948. A far less grisly use is as a
weight in the cords with which Capuchin
monks tie their habits. Sai lors use the knot as a
stopper or weighting knot on small sluff,
although it is difficu lt to untie when the line is
wet.
When you lie the knot, keep the loop open
and slack, and then pull gentl y on both ends of
the line simultaneously, twisting the two ends
in opposite di rections as you do so.
~I _ L - ___ ~ ~ ____________________ ~
o
13
14
HEAVING LINE KNOT
Also known as: FRANCISCAN KNOT, MONK'S KNOT
This knot is principally used for sailing when a
heavy line is to be thrown ashore or aboard
another boat. It is attached to a heaving line-
that is, a light line - which can be thrown ahead
so that the heavier line can be pulled across the
gap. The knot is tied to the end of the lighter
)
line to give it the necessary additional weight.
Heaving lines are usually 1f.z-.. inch in diameter
and may be up to 80 feet long. They should float
and be fl exible, and it is important that they be
strong enough to bear a man' s weight.
The knot's alternative names derive from its
use 10 weight the ends of the cords that
Franciscan monks use as belts.

(-\
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ I I > = ~
I
15
I
J
\ I
' -

IZS FIGURE EIGHT KNOT
Also knmon as: FLEMISH KNOT, SAVOY KNOT
This interlacing knot has for long been regarded
as an emblem of interwoven affection,
appearing in heraldry as the symbol of fait hful
love. It also appears in the arms of the House of
Savoy.
The knot, which is made in the end of a line,
with the upper loop around the standing pari
and the lower loop around the working end, is
widely used by sailors on the running rigging .
... _ ..
-----
_L----
_.-----
_L------..........--...-

FIGURE-OfEIGHT
CHAIN
This popular decorative
chain can be made, quite
simply, by making a
series of figure-of-eight
knots all in the same
dire<:tion. II can be used
as a belt or strap (or ...
shoulder bag.
16
- ~
\
HIGHWAYM A N ' S
HIT C H
T I MBER HITCH
C ONSTR IC TOR
KHOT
(lOVE HI TCH
HITCHES

Hitches are knots that are used to secure a rope to a post,
hook, ring, spar or rail or to another rope that plays no
part in the actual tying. Hitches do not keep their shape
on their own. Because they are often used by sailors jar
mooring, lashing and fastening f they must be able to
withstand parallel strain.

17
F IS HERMAN 'S BEND
ROUND TUR N AND
T WO HALF HI TC HES
ITAlIA" HITCH
PRU$IK KI'IOT

~
HIGHWAYMAN' S HITCH
Also known as: DRAW HITCH
The name highwayman's hitch comes from the
fact the knot was supposedly used by robbers to
insure a swift release for thei r horses' reins and
thus a rapid get-away. A single pull on the
working end unti es the knot, but the standing
part can safely be put under lension.

IZE HALF HITCH
The half hitch is among the most widely used of
fastenings, but it is, in fact, a temporary knot,
formed of a single hitch made around the
standing part of another hitch - as in a round
tum and two half hi tches, for example. The
knot is not meanl lo lake any strain but is ra ther
used to complete and strengthen ot her knots,
which may then be used for tying, hanging or
hooking.
T WO H " ' l ~ HI TCH tS
$IHG l E H AL F HITCH
18
Tilt o/roious uS<? oflhe
Higlmraymol1's l1il(/1 is to
tet/rtr horses Imd stmy dogs,
11111 ;/ is useful ill other ways,
such us IVWI'rill8 oI!;ects Gild
mnk;lIg tem)lomry
fasten ings.
19

Cow HITCH
Also knowlI as: L ANYARD /l lTel I
This hitch, composed of two single hitches, is
generall y made around a ring and is probably
the least secure of all the hitches, and it should
be regarded as only a temporary fasten ing. It s
name sugges ts its most common use - as a
means of tethering livestock.
,
/
/
o
~ TIMBER HITCH
Whfll a single hitch is added
to tile "corer elld 0[11 log or
spr,r, with Illil1l/>I'r hi/dllli
the jurl/lcr end, the resil/ting
KiIliclr ii i/eli mabies tile load
to be draXXed wi/holll il
swhrginSaroumi ,
21
This dist inctive-looking knot is really only a
temporary noose, formed by twisting the
worki ng end around its own part and not
around the standing part. Three twists are
usually sufficient to secure the rope around
such objects as tree trunks, planks or poles so
that they may be raised or lowered or dragged
or pulled. More twists may be needed if the
object to be moved is especially thick.
Unfortunately, this knot is easily tied incorrectly.
I
I
m
I
U
~
I
Tying logetiler the cross-bars
(Jfu kil l' is best donI' with 11
TranSlllll/mol ,
22
. IA

TRANSOM KNOT
Gardeners will find thl' transom knot
particularly useful for making trelli ses or tying
up bean poles. It is si milar to the constri ctor
knot (see page 23), and, as wit h thai knot, the
ends may be t ri mmed off for neatness.
Alt hough i t can be prized undone, it is probably
easier simply 10 cut through the diagonal, when
the two halves will fall apart.
/'
Tile COlls/rictor knot is
popular as an all-purpose
knot becallse it is a firm kllol
which does/I'/ slip.
~ CONSTRICTOR KNOT
This knot has grown in popularity in recent
years, and it has dozens of uses . It can be used
on the ends of ropes as permanent or
temporary whipping; it can be used to secure
fabric bags such as those containing bouquet
garni; i t can be used in woodworking to hold
two pieces in position while the glue dries.
23
The knot is formed from an overhand knot,
trapped beneath a crosswise round turn, which
holds it firmly in place. The constrictor knot will
stay tied and grip firmly, and, in fact, the rope
may have to be cut free unless the last tuck is
made with a bight to produce a slipped knot.
m
I
U
~
I
Also known as: BOATMAN'S KNOT, PEG KNOT
The name clove hitch firs t appeared in
Falconer's Dictionary of the Marine in the 18th
century, but the knot was probably known for
centuries before then.
The main advantage of the clove hitch is that,
given practise, it can be tied around a post with
just one hand, which makes it particularly
useful for sailors who may, for example, need
to tie a dinghy to a ballard with one hand while
24
holding onto a guard rail with the other.
Although it is often recommended as a mooring
knot, the clove hitch is not, however, totally
secure if the strain is intermittent and at an
inconstant angle, and while it will afford a
temporary hold, it should be replaced by
something more stable as soon as is practicable.
Adding a stopper knot or making one or two
half hitches around the standing part of the
rope will make the knot more secure,
Campers often use it to secure tent poles,
which is the origin of one of its alternative
names, the peg knot.

Iftllr Clave hilch is loaet as a
mooring kiwi, a sloppt'r kllol
sI,o,lid be added for srmty.
o
25
The big ht in a slipped
dove hitch enables the
knot to be quickly undone
when the rope is under
strain .
I
I
U
I

~ ~ CLOVE HITCH, DROPPED
OVERA POST
The knot formed when two overlapping half
hitches <He dropped over a post is widely used
in sailing for mooring to bO!1ilfds on quaysides.
It is also useful in camping for tightening guy
ropes.
26
/
CLOVE HITCH, MADE ON
A RING
This particular version of the clove hitch is more
commonly used in mountaineering than in
sai ling, for in sailing the ring is usually
narrower than the rope, which ca n become
bad ly chafed and therefore dangerous.
Climbers use it to regulate the lengt h of rope
between the climber and the piton (that is, the
peg or spi ke driven into rock or a crack to
support the rope).
27
m
. IZE FISHERMAN'S BEND
A l so known as: A NCHOR BEND
If the cow hi tch is the least secure of the hitches,
the fi sherman's bend is the most stable. Simpl y
formed by making two turns around the post or
through the ring and then tucking the working
CD
28
end through both turns, the knot is widel y used
by sail ors to moor their boats at the quayside.
Extra security can be provided by adding a half
hitch.
The knot's other na me - the anchor bend-
deri ves from the fact that sailors use it to tie on
the anchor ring, although a stopper knot should
be added (or safety's sake.
fl S HERMAN " S l END
WI T H AN ADDED
HALf HIT C H

CAT'S PAW
o
29
Because the strain is equal on both sides, this is
the best hook knot for rope of medium
diameter. It has long been used by dock
workers and sailors to sling heavy loads, and
the name ca t' s paw has been current since at
leasllhe early 18th century. When a single pa rt
of a loaded rope is hung over a hook, the line is
weakened by about one-t hird. A cat's paw,
securely drawn up, gives the additional
assurance thai, should one leg break, the other
will lasllong enough to allow the load to be
safely ioweI'd to the ground.
o
0'
I
I
V
~
I
r;:<i IZD BILL HITCH
This knot can be made and untied easil y, and it
is suitable for use wi th large diameter ropes. It
is not, however, used for sailing purposes very
much and tends to be associated with campi ng
activities. It is good for hoisting light objects
aloft .
o

o
30
/
CD
Tire maill
Rollillg hitch is its ability to
s/idetQsily%llg Ot( lint to
which it iso/taclitd. Dileo/
traditiO/la/llses of/he
lorol is formakillg Ihejlag
irlllyard/as/ to IlIebllrgce staff
or fo r hoislirrg thelIa/yard
ilOriumlally.
31
ROLLING HITCH

Also known as: M AGNER'S /fiTCH, MAGNUS HITCH
This useful knot is basicall y a clove hi tch with
the first turn repeated. It is employed by bot h
mariners and mountaineers and is the most
effective way of securing a small rope to a larger
line that is under strain. As long as the smaller
rope is perpendicular to the larger, the knot will
slide easi ly along; once tension is exerted on the
standing pari and working end of the smaller
rope, the knot locks in position. If you place
your hand over the knot and slide it along the
thicker line it will slide off the end and uncoil
into a straight length of rope.
The name rolling hitch has been used since
the 1840s; before then the knot was known as
magner's or magnus hitch.
m

~ ~ ROUND TURN AND TWO
HALF HITCHES
Use this versatile knot whenever you need to
fasten a line to a ring, hook, handle, pole, rail or
beam. It is a strong, dependable knot, which
never jams. It has the additional advantage that
once one end has been secured with a round
turn and two half hi tches, the other end can be
tied wi th a second knot, which ma kes it
invaluable for fastening unwieldy objects to
automobile roof racks.
32

TWO HA lf HITCHES
ITALIAN HITCH
Also hlOwn as: MUNTER FRICTION HITCH, SLIDING
RING HITCH
This addi tion to the mountainee rs' lexicon of
knots was int roduced in 1974, and it is the
official means of belaying (that is, fixing a
rulUling rope around a rock or a cleat) of the
TIIC / I ~ l i l 1 / l l l i l c l l is 1111
inlloval i!Jf: climbillg kll ot
IIsed for belaying; ils cI,fe!
advantage being its means oj
absorb/lIS the ellergy of Q jail.
33
Union Internationale des Associations
d' Alpi nisme. The rope is passed around and
through a ca rabiner and will check a climber' s
fall by locking up. AJternativel y, the rope can be
paid out or pulled in to provide slack or tension
as required.
The major disadvantage of the knot is that it
is easy to tie incorrectly.
I
I

34
Ij PRUSIK KNOT
This knot is named after Dr Carl J'rusik, who
devised it in ]931. It is a comparatively simple
knot to tie, which is used by climbers to attach
slings to a rope so that they slide smoothly
when the knot is loose but hold firm when a
sideways load is imposed. Although the knot
does not always slide easily, once the load is in
place it can be released only by removing the
weight and freeing the turns of the rope. The
Prusik knot is useful for anyone who has to
scale awkward heights- tree surgeons and
(avers, for example - as well as for climbers,
who use it as a safety mechanism when
abseiling or rappelling (that is, descending a
steep rock face by using doubled rope fixed ilt a
higher point).
The knot must be tied with rope thai is
considerably thinner than the line around
which it is tied, and it is important to note that it
may slip if the rope is wet or icy.
1HRI"'0(0
fiGURE liGHT
10WlII<I(
C ll"'I'R '
10WliHI
10Wll"'
0" ... liGHT
Loops

Loops are made to be dropped over an object, unlike
hitches, which are made directly arollnd the object and-
follow its shape. They are knots formed by folding back
the end of a rope or Line into an eye or loop and OWl
fastening it to its standing part so that the knot is fixed
and does /lot move, Sailors find loops, especially the
bowline, indispensable.

35
5''''"1511
10WlI"'
"'"GlER ' S lOO'
T"Rll .... RT
C R 0."
"'l""'
IUTTERflY kNOT
o
o

/Zl] FIGURE EIGHT LOOP
Thl' Figuretight /0011 15
particularly suitnl for use
with mool'rn hatntsstS
bccauSt'of IItl' symmetry. It is
strong. uncomplirol cd Qnd
IInlikl'ly /0 wa,k ilSl!lfloose.
36
Also kflOWII as: FIGURE EIGHT ON TIlE BIGHT
Alt hough this knot is di fficult to adjus t and
ca nnot easily be untied after loading, its
adva ntages outweigh these drawbacks. 1\ is a
comparatively simple knot to ti e, and it stays
tied, even when stiff rope is used. In addition,
because ils appearance is unmistakable, it can
be qui ckly checked, which is important when it
is used by d i.mbers.
This general purpose loop
is 0111110 often used by
climbers to atta(h a line to
a carabiner.
/
THREADED FIGURE EIGHT
This is a variation of the figure eight loop. The
most frequent uses of the threaded figure eight
are for tying on to the rope and for anchoring
non-climbing members of a tea m.
This is probably the commonest way of
attaching rope to the harness. Tying-on using a
Bowline is equally satisfactory, but not as
popular.
37
A stopper knot must be
added when the threaded
figure eighlloop is used to
tie on 11 line.

o
o
o
o
~ IZE BOWLINE
The bowli ne is simple, strong and stable. It is
one of the best known and most widely used
of knots, especially among sailors, and is
generally tied to form a fixed loop at the end of
a line or to attach a rope to an object. At sea it is
used on running riggi ng and for hoisting,
joining and salvage work.
Tie a bowline by forming a loop in the
standing pa rt of the line. Pass the working end
up through the eye of the loop, around the back
of the standing part and then down through the
38
eye again. For safety's sake, finish the bowline
off with a stopper knot to prevent it from
turning into a sli p knot.
Among the knot' s advantages are t he facts
that it does not slip, come loose or jam and that
it can be quickly and easily untied, even when
the line is under tension. A major disadvantage
can be that if it is tied with stiff rope, it is liable
to work loose as the li ne cannot "bed down"
properly.
The running bowline makes a noose that falls
open as soon as the tension is removed from the
line. The left-handed bowli ne is not as secure as
the bowline itself and should be avoided.
If the bowline is tied too
loosely it may turn into a
slip knot. Always finish it
off with a stopper knot.
/
BOWLINE, CASTING
METHOD
Use the method of tying a bowline illustrated
here when you need to fasten a line around an
object. When synt hetic rope is used to tie this
knot, it might be less reliable. It is a good idea to
secure the end with an extra half-hitch, or tuck
it and trap it beneat h one of the rope's strands.
o
o
o
o
~ I Z B CLIMBER'S BOWLINE
Also known as: BULIN KNOT
Climbers use the bowline - which is known by
them as the bulin knot-as a safety measure
during ascents, when it is clipped into the
carabiner.
Climbers also tie this knot directly around
their waists so that they can adjust the length of
line before undertaking an ascent. Whenever it
is used in this way, the knot must be finished
off with a stopper knot.
40
\
)
The Climber's bowIiue is fosl
to tie alld is easily umlOllc
after it has beelr iWllvily
loaded, bill il dOtrs have II
tellde/lcy 10 work loose,
especially i[lIlc rope is stiff. II
shOldd always, therefore, be
llsed in c(mjullctiOll willI II
Stopper kilO!,
4'


o
o
BOWLINE ON A BIGHT
This is an ancient knot, but one that is still in
use today, especially in sea rescues. If the
person who is being rescued is conscious, he or
she places a leg through each loop and hangs
on to the standing part.
If the casualty is unconscious, both legs are
placed through one loop while the other loop is
passed under the armpits . The knot is equally
suitable for salvaging inanimate objects.
42
The knot is formed fro"
two loops of equal size.
The loops overlap
olher but be opened
out and used separately.

)
BOWLINE, ROPE UNDER
TENSION
This knot is used by sai lors to altach boats to
rings. The standing part remains taut
throughout, whi le the worki ng end is tied to
create a secure fastening.
43
o
o
~
~
o
o
-"
SPANISH BOWLINE
Also known as: CHA.IR war
TIlis is an extremely strong knot that is used by
firemen (when it is known as the chair knot),
coastguards and mountain rescuers. Li ke the
bowline on a bight, it is an ancient knot, which
is formed of two separate and independent
CD ,
44
loops that hold securely, even under
considerable strain. One loop is slipped over
the casualty's head, around the back and under
the armpits; the other loop goes around hoth
legs, just behind the knees. It is vital that each
loop is adj usted to size and locked into position,
otherwise an unconscious casualty could easily
fall - perhaps to his or her death - through the
loops.
/
Tht Spanish bowline is II
u-rsatill' kno, which is lised ill
mallY silualions including
r=:lI ing peoplefrol'll the seQ
and hOisting objects in If
hori:wntal position.
45
o
o
o
o
~ Ii ANGLER'S LOOP
Also known as: PERFECTION LOOP
The angler's loop is known to have been in use
since the 18705. It is, as its name suggests, most
frequently employed by fi shermen. In
addition to fi shing line, it call be tied wi th string
or fine synthetic li ne . Authorities differ about
whether it is a sui table knot for rope. It is
difficult to untie, which may militate against its
use at sea, and it is prone to jam. It is also a
ra ther bulky knot.
46
OIICC the angkr's loop is
ma5lercd. il fal! be lied very
qllickly. ami il is a/St.) a very
secllre and stable knOI,
Campers liSt' it hi 11 variety of
ways.
. 1:<'
THREE-PART CROWN
This is a secure knot, but it is not generall y used
by sailors because it is difficult to untie after it
has supported a heavy weight. It is sometimes
used by campers to hang food and gcar. II can
also be used as a decorative knot from which to
hang objects.
47
o
o
~
~
o
o
48
ALPINE BUTTERFLY KNOT
This symmetrical knot is sometimes used by
climbers, who loop it around the chest. It will
hold equally well whichever end is he ld; it can
be tied quickl y; the loop does not shrink when
the knot is tightened; and it (<In be easily
untied. Its main disadvantage is that i t is
difficult to tie and with the increased use of the
Italian hitch, the Alpine Butterfly knot has lost
much of its popularity.
I llf II,.. O T
CA ' !l ll Cl
IIllf 11" 01
(
~ " " 1 0
TH I Ef II"'OT
S U I GIO" ' ! .,..OT
FlSHEI"' A "" S l("'Of
BENDS

Bends are used to join the ends of two lengths of rope to
form one longer piece, Ideally, to insure that the knot is
secure, the two ropes that are to be joined should be of the
same kind and have the same diameter, Unusually
however, the sheet bend (see page 57) is secure even
when it is used to join ropes of different diameters,

49
DOUILl
fl S HIIIMAN ' S
JIC"OJ
HU"1EI ' ! IE"O
"'
SHEET IE"O
flGUlI1 liGHT
I l " 0
~
"
z
w
m

gD REEF KNOT
Also known as: SQUARE KNOT
This is an ancient knot, which was known
during the Late Stone Age. The Ancient Greeks
knew it as the Hercules knot, and it was also
tied in Ancient Rome. It is often the onl y knot -
apa rt from the granny knot - Ihat many people
know, and when the ends are only partly
drawn through the knot to leave loops and to
form a doubl e reef bow, it is frequently used to
tie shoe laces. Its traditional and proper use is
WAINU4 THIIIIIOT II NOT A IAFI.IHD AND IHOUlD
NIVIII. tllD WitH 10,.1 0' DlfnlIM' DIAMIUI$.

CAPSIZED REEF KNOT
Also known as; LARK'S HEAD KNOT, CAPSIZED
SQUARE KNOT

The reef of a sail is that part which is roll ed and
tied up by the ree f points to reduce the area
caught by the wind, and the ease with which a
reef knot can be sli pped apart made it perfect
for reefing sails. When one end of a reef knot is
pulled sharply or is subjected 10 strain, the knot
will untie and become unstable. Capsized reef
knots have caused accidents and should be
used with caution.
50
to join the two ends of a rope when reefing a
sail.
Bot h short ends of the knot are on the same
side- if they are not, it is a thief knot-and the
knot is flat- if it is not, it is a granny knot. The
fecf knot is more secure than both the thief knot
and the granny knot, but it should be used only
as a temporary measure and with lines of the
same diameter that wil l not be subject to strain.
If il has to be used wi th lines that will bear
considerable weight, stopper knots should be
tied in the short ends.
\
51
Usually the red knot can
by pulling
sharply on one of the
short ends. A cow hitch is
The Rcefknol is a mulli
purpose kiwi which is
symmetrical and made from
two /rights. lis
beauty IiI'S in its simplic;ty.
then formed, which can
easily slide off the
straight length of rope.
~
o
z
THIEF KNOT
\
"-
\
"
"
,
According to legend, sailors on whaling ships
used this knot to tie their clothes bags. Thieves
would retie them with reef knots, thus
revealing that the bags had been burgled. The
thief knot is very similar to the reef knot, but
the short ends are on opposite sides.
--
--

The Reeflowt lying side--by-
sidewith the Thief Knot
shows clearly how easy it is to
confuse the two krwts.
52
(
i SURGEON' S KNOT
As its name suggests, this knot is used by
s urgeons to tie off blood vessels, and it seems to
have been in use since about the end of World
\
53
War II. The knot has a good grip, hvisting as it
is drawn up and the diagonal is wrapped
around it. It is less bulky and flatter than some
of the other knots used by surgeons - the
carrick and the reef knot, for instance -
which tend to leave visible
\
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ \
\ )
V z
"
~
Q
Z

i FISHERMAN'S KNOT
Also known as: ANGLER'S KNOT, ENGLISH KNOT,
ENGLISHMAN'S BEND OJ< KNOT, HALIBUT KNO'l',
TRUE-LOVER'S BEND 011 KNOT, WATERMAN'S kNOT
The fisherman's knot should not be confused
with the fisherman's bend (which is actually a
hitch, see page 28). They are quite different
knots. This knot was invented during the 19th
century, although some writers have suggested
that it may have been known to the Ancient
Greeks. It is formed from two identical
54
overhand knots, which are pushed against each
other so that the short, working ends of the
ropes lie in opposite directions, almost paral!el
to their standing parts. Generally, the two
component knots can be easily separated and
undone.
It should be used to join lines of equal
diameter, but it is not suitable for ropes with
large or even medium diameters. It is widely
used by anglers to join fishing line, and it is also
suitable for string and twine. The knot is not, in
fact, as strong as the line from which it is
formed when it is under great strain .
r.;< i DOUBLE FISHERMAN' S
KNOT
Also known as: GRAl'EVINE KNOT
This is one of the strongest knots for joi ning
ropes or for forming slings, and it is used not
only, as its name suggests, by anglers to secure
thei r IinC's but also by climbers on small st uff. It
is a comparatively bulky knot and is not, for
tha t reason, suitable for anything more
substantial than thin line or stri ng. The ends
can be taped or seized to the working parts to
minimize the risk of the knot working loose.
Climbel'5 lape the ends to
stop them catching on the
rock (ace.
__ 11 -
55
z
" ~
~
Q
Z

~ HUNTER'S BEND
Also known as; RIGGER'S BEND
On 6 October 1968 The Times (London) carried a
report on the front page describing how
Dr Edward Hunter, a retired physician, had
invented a new knot. The article generated a lot
of interest in both Europe and the United
States, but at the height of the publici ty it
was found that the knot had already been
described by Phil D. Smith, an American, in
about 1950 in a publication called Knots for
Mountaineers. Phil Smith had been working
on the waterfront in San Francisco during
World War II when he had devised the knot,
which he had named a rigger's bend.
It is also easy to untie. [t is based on two
overhand knots and is stronger than the
fisherman's bend, the sheet bend and the
reef knot, although it is not as strong as the
blood knot.
The Hun/er's bend is a useful
gelleral purpose knot, which
is stable alld has a good grip.
It is also easy to ulilie.
~
SHEET BEND
Also knowll as: COMMON BEND, FLAG BEND
The sheet bend is unusual in thai it can be G)
used to join li nes of unequal dia meters. It is
probably the most often used of all the
bends, but il is nOll00 percent secure and
should never be used in circumstances
where it is going to be subject to grea t strain.
Its breaking strain is further reduced in
proportion to the difference in the diameters
of the lines jOi ned .
Although the knot may be seen in Ancient
Egyptian paintings, the name did not appear
in print in 1794. The sheet was originally the
rope attached-fClthe clew (t he lower or after
corner) of a sail, which was used for
trimming the sail , and it was from this usage
that the knot derived its name. It is also
traditionally used to join the two corners of a
flag to the rope used for raising or lowering
it. On such occasions it is someti mes referred
toas a flag bend. It can also be used to make
a rope fast to anythi ng with an aperture- a
handle on a s pade, for exa mple- through
which the line can be passed and trapped
under itself. When the knot is tied wit h the
short ends on opposite sides it becomes a
left-handed. sheet bend, but this is to be
avoided as this knot is not secure.
A slipped sheet bend is
formed by placing a bight
bdween Ute loop of the
heavier rope and the
standing part of the
lighter rope. The slipped
knot may be more easily
untied when the rope is
under strain.
57
z
o
~
~
o
z
/
I
I
/
/
/
FIGURE EIGHT BEND
/
Also known as: FtEMISH BEND OR KNaf
Although this is a simple knot to ti e - simply
make a figure eight knot in one end and follow
it around with the other working end - it is one
of the strongest bends that can be ti ed in both
rope and st ring.
- -----.
//-- ...............
-----
58
- ---o- -,:c "
- - - - - - - - - - --- - --
- ~ ~ CARRICK BEND rope is wet. When it is used, its main purpose is
to join large-diameter hawsers and warps, and
in these circumstances it is usually left in its flat
form with the ends seized (that is, secured by
binding with turns of yarn) to the standing
parts. In its flat form it is sometimes also used to
fasten scarves and belts, and its symmetrical
appearance has made it a great favorite with
illustrators of military uniforms.
CD
Also known as: COWBOY KJ"rQT, SPLIT KNOT, WARP
KNOT
This stable knot, which is formed from two
overhand loops crossing each other, was the
most widely used knot on old sailing ships. Its
common names suggest some of the other
ci rcumstances in which the carrick bend may be
found - it is known as the cowboy knot to
cowhands, the split knot to knitwear
manufacturers and the warp knot to sailors.
Today, however, it is less often used aboard
ship because it can be difficult to unt ie when the
When it is drawn up it capsizes into a
completely different shape, and for this reason,
although it has been recommended as a knot for
mountaineers, it may be unsuitable as it is
probably too bulky to pass through a carabiner.
---- ~ . ~
..-"-- -- .......
","'" ..------.....
- ,

An attractive knot, known
as the Japanese ParI
knot, is tied in the same
way as the Canick Bend
using doubled ends.
59
z
o
~
II.U I'I I'II I'I G . O W ~ I I ' I E
H A I'I G M AI'I' S KI'I O T
RUNNING KNOTS

Running knots are also known as slip knots or nooses.
Their main characteristics are that thelj tighten around
the objects on which they are tied but slacken when the
strain is reduced. This group a/knots is divided into two
kinds: those that are tied by passing a bight through a
fixed loop at the end of a line and those that are formed
from a closed bight knotted at the end of a line or along it .
Running knots must be among the oldest knots known to
man, They were used in prehistoric times to make
weapons and snares to trap animals,

60
1'1 0 0 S (
T AR I U( II. KI'IOT

~ RUNNING BOWLINE
This is probably the only running knot to be
used by mariners. It is found on the running
riggi ng or it may be used to raise fl oating
objects that have fallen overboard.
At sea during the 19th century i t was used to
tighten the squaresai l to the yardarm in hi gh
61
winds, and at the same time in the country it
was used by poachers. [t has many other uses,
being strong and secure, easy to slide and
si mple to undo. Tying it does not weaken the
rope. The knot is mostl y used for hanging
objects with ropes of unequal diameters. The
weight of the object creates the tension needed
to make the knot grip.
~
"
~ z
z z
"- ,

HANGMAN' S KNOT
Also known as: JA.CK K ETCH'S KNOT
This knot is one of the running knots that is
formed by knotting a dosed bi ght at the end of
a li ne. Its name reveals its macabre use, and its
alternative name comes from the notorious
hangman and executioner Jack Ketch, who di ed
in 1686. It is a strong noose, which slides easily.
The number of turns can vary between seven
and thi rteen, although an odd number should
always be used.

o
62


NOOSE
This simple knot can be used as the first knot in
tying up a package. On a larger scale, it is
sometimes used to put tackle cables under
stress. It is made of string or small stuff.
The noose ca n also be used as a hitch, when it
has two main functions. When a noose is tied
around somethi ng large - a tree trunk, for
example - only a fairly short length of line is
required. If a constrictor knot or a dove arrow
hi tch were used, on the ot her hand, far more
rope would be needed. When nooses are used
as hitches they are very secure.
A noose can also be used when it is difficult
to get close to the object around which the knot
is to be tied. It may, for instance, be possible to
pass the end of a line around the base of an
inaccessible object, tie a noose and tighten it.
A stopper knot should be added to prevent
the noose slipping.
63
CD
~
c
~ z
Zz
o
~ z
~ "
'"
~
z
~
0
z z
z ~
=>
~
CD
TARBUCK KNOT
Like the hangman' s knot, this knot is formed by
knotting a closed bight at the end of a line. It
was devised for use by climbers when the rope
was likel y to be subjected to heavy or
unexpected stress because the knot absorbed
the shock. It has recently fall en from fa vor,
however, because double-braid (sheat h and
core) ropes can now absorb any shocks and the
knot would, in any case, damage the sheath of
these new types of rope.
This is, nevertheless, a useful general
purpose knot, which grips under st rain
although it can be slid along the standing part.
It is not, however, a particul arly secure knot.
64
I
I
I
,
I
' ~
SHEEP$HAt-Il(
SHORTENINGS

As their name implies, these invaluable knots are used to
shortell/ong lines. Short ropes may be needed
temporarily to tow a car or haul a load, for example, and
a shortened rope is always more secure than two cut
lengths joined together with another knot. In any case, a
longer rope may be needed at some later date, and a rope
shortened by means of a knot can always be lengthened at
some later date. Shortenings can also be used to take up
weakened or damaged lengths of line so that they are not
subjected to any strain. These knots are well worth
mastering.

65
lOO P Kt-IOT
" z
z
o
I
~
' ~ SHEEPSHANK
The sheepshank is a seafarer's knot: it does not
chafe, it unties easily, and it has a good
jamming action. It is an easily tied knot, which
hol ds under tension - in fact, as soon as the
tension is released, the knot falls apart. The
number of half hitches can vary from three to
five, and that number determines both the
fi rmness of the grip of the knot and the length
by which the line is shortened.
In addition to shortening lines without the
need to cut them, the sheepshank is used at sea
for towing boats and on the running rigging. It
can also be used to keep slack lines outof the
way, which could have numerous applications,
including keeping bell ropes tidy. When the
knot is used to shorten a damaged line, it is
important that the damaged section of rope
passes through both of the half hitches.
The Sllaps/lDnk is able to
wry the length ofa rapt to
suit the immediate
requirement wit/lOul hlWing
tocutlheropt!.
. ""
67
Loop KNOT
One of the best ways of shortening a damaged
rope is to tie a loop knot. This simple fastening
takes up the weakened part of the line in the
center of the knot so that it is not put under
strain. The knot is often used for towing
automobiles and trucks.
Pull the eods of the
compleh?d Sheepshank
and the knot becomes
quite decorative.
"
o
z
z
"
,
BlOOD KtlOT
BLOOD lOOP
DROPPER KNOT
HAlf TUCKED
BLOOD KNOT
---1/ - ~
WATER KI'lOT
FISHING KNOTS

Because the conditions on a river bank may not be ideal, it
is important that fishermen thoroughly master the art of
tying a variety a/knots before they set out. Knots must be
tied securely and correctly if they are to be oj any use, and
wet and windy weather or poor light are not the ideal
conditions in which to attempt to tie a knot for the first
time. Practise tying the knots that are described on the
pages that follow until you are confident that you can tie
them accurately and quickly - then you are ready to tie
them on the river bank.

68
~ : I I I I " " I : . . . . . - -
GRIN"'ER KIoI01
DOUILE
GRINNER 1(1'101
"\)
OQUBl(
lOOP KI<01
tlEEPL( KtlOT
The knots used in fishing are different from
those used by mariners, climbers and campers
because they are tied in fine monofilament, and
the very na ture of monofilament means tha t
once fas tened, these knots cannot usually be
untied. Each knot that a fisherman uses
performs a different fu nction, and it is possible
that as many as eight knots at a time may be
required. A knot may be used to join two
lengths of fishing line, it may join a line to a
leader, or it may attach a lure, hook sinker or
swivel to a line, for example, and a knot that is
perfect for one task will not necessarily serve
another purpose.
When you work with monofilament you will
find that moistening the line by dipping it in
water or lubricating it with saliva will help you
to draw it up smoot hly and bed it down tightly.
You will also find that a pair of pliers is essentia l
when you are using one of the heavier
monofilament lines. It is almost impossible to
draw a line really ti ght with your bare hands.
Resist the temptation to add a lubricant such as
silicone to help draw the knot tight: the
lubricant will remain in the knot and will add to
the chances of the knot slipping while the line is
in use.
The finer the gauge of line you use to tie a
knot, the easier it is to draw it up tight and seat
it securely. The diameter of the line may also
influence the kind of knot you tie, for some
knots that work well with fine monofilament
cannot be drawn up tight when they are tied in
heavier gauge line. Remember that when you
ti e two lengths of monofilament together, the
knot will be more secure if the lines are made by
the same manufacturer. This is the case even if
you are tying toget her lines of different
diameters. Different manufacturers produce
lines tha t differ in the degree of stiffness, and
this can affect the success of the knot.
Once the knot is firmly seated, it should be
trimmed . Do not try to burn the tag end as you
will only weaken the knot. Use a pair of nail
clippers, scissors or cutting pliers or a pai r of
purpose-made cutters to trim the end at an
angle of 45 degrees so close to the knot that the
end does not protrude. It is important the tag
end does not extend; if it does, it might catch on
the hook or get caught up in weeds.
You will find that some knots can withstand a
considerable strain that is consistently applied
while they fail when they are subjected to a
sudden jerk. You can test the characteristics of
different knots for yourself by asking a friend to
hold the ends of some lengths of line while you
pull on the other ends. Wear gloves to protect
your hands when you do this.
69
Most fishing line, known as
monofilament. is made of
nylon because it is tough alld
flexible. It comes in brmkillg
strains of8 OUIlCes up to 1()()
pounds fo r very strollg lilIes
used in derp-sea biggame
fishing.

"
~
z
~
0
:I: Z
~
~
~
0
Ii BLOOD KNOT
Also kllow" as: BARREL KNOT
The name barrel knot der ives from the
appearance of the numerous wrapping turns
that are required to complete this knot, which
has a relatively high breaking strain. It is widely
used to ti e nylon line in a host of situations,
although it is most successful when the line is of
mOTe or less equal thickness.
Because anglers tie their knots in such fine
line, once they are drawn up tightl y it is almost
impossible to untie them - the line usually has
to be cut. During the 19th cent ury, anglers and
, ,
70
tackle makers used to be able to keep secret the
intri cacies of the va rious knots they tied
because it was so diffi cult to unravel them. Just
before World War L however, an engineer on
board an ocean-going liner, Jock Purvis, went to
the infinite troubl e of dissecting and
reconstructing a specimen blood knot, keeping
the cut sections in paraffin wax and using a
microscope to examine the twists and turns of
the line. Purvis's findings were published in the
angling press in 1910.
When you tie a blood knot, it is best to leave it
slack so that you can count the turns. This will
mean tha t the ends will have to be cut nea tly,
but the grip is excell ent.

i BLOOD LOOP DROPPER
KNOT
Also known as: DROPPER LOOP
When fishermen want more than one fly on a
line at the same time, they use a weighted line
wi th a series of hooks at intervals along it.
Additional flies are known as droppers; and
this is the loop that is used to attach them to a
paternoster because the loop is fonned at a right
angle to the line.
71
" ' ~
z ~
-0
z
~ "
~
0
ill HALF-TUCKED BLOOD
KNOT
Also known as: CLINCH KNOT
Anglers use this knot when they need to ti e a
swivel or eyed hook to their lines. It is an easy
knot to master and can be tied quickly.
However, it is only really successful when it is
used with fine monofilament. This is not a
sui table knot for heavy lines.
72
CD

73
i TURLE KNOT
This knot is used by fishermen to tie flies with
turned-up or turned-down eyes to the tippet.
It is not suitable for use with ring-eye hooks.
The knot was named after Major Turle of
Devon, England, in 1884. The line is passed
through the eye of the hook, the knot is tied
and then the hook is drawn through the loop of
the knot.
, , ~
Z:Z:
0-
~ z
~ G )
i WATER KNOT
Also known as: COVE KNOT
It seems likely that this strong knot was known
to Izaak Walton (1593-]683), and the earliest
printed reference to it is believed to have been
in 1496. It is especially useful because it can be


74
used to join Hnes of different sizes, and the
breaking strength can be even further
enhanced by tucking the ends three mOTe times
to create a quadruple overhand knot with both
lines and then drawing them carefully together
as you would a multiple overhand knot (see
page 14).
til GRINNER KNOT
Also known as; DUNCAN LOOP KNOT, UN/-KNOT
This is an excellent and justifiably popular knot
for joining either a fly or an eyed hook to a
leader (that is, a length of nylon that forms the
junction between the fly-line and the fly) or to a
tippet (the thin, terminal section of a leader).
75
TheGrinnerblOlondthe ,.;: I/)
Half-tuckedbloodhwtaretht Z Z
twobestmethodsaftyingJly 0
to/ine. Theyart difficultto ..... Z
master and flyfishtnntl1 will \/I G'l
benefit from p1l1c/isingal
h(tTTlt.

, , ~
z ~
-0

"'z
~ ~
~
Ii DOUBLE GRINNER KNOT
Also known as: PARACUM KNOT
This knot is actually two grinner or uni-knots
tied back to back. It is used by fishermen who
are trying to catch large fish with small flies on
very fine tippets as it is an effective way of join-
ing together tw"o sections of a tippet or a leader.
76
Ii DOUBLE LOOP KNOT
Also known as: SURCEON'S LOOP
This knot is tied in the same way as the
surgeon's knot (see page 53) except that it is
made with a single length of line. This non-sli p
loop can be tied very quickly.
Interlocked loops are an
easy and quick way of
attaching to a line hooks
thai are already tied to a
length of nylon. Make
two double loop knots in
the end of a line, leaving
the loops quite long.
Thread one loop through
the other, pass the end of
the hook through the line
loop and puilihem
carefully together.
77
"
~
Z
~
0
I Z
~ ~
~



iii NEEDLE KNOT
Also known as: NEEDLE NAIL KNOT
The needle knot is used to effect a smooth join
between the fly- line and the butt end (that is,
the thick part) of the leader. Not only is this an
extremely strong way of fastening
monofilament to a fly-line, it is also unlikely to
ca tch or snag on debris as the line is fished.
FLY L I t-I E
78
MOHOFILAMNT
GLOSSARY

B ~ c k i n g line monofilament or a braided
polyester line with a breaking s train of 15-19
pounds used under the fIy-line to bulk out a fly-
reel spool. II prevents the fi ne fl y-line from
twisting and forming into tight coils. When a
largejish that makes a long run is caught, the
backing line can also be allowed to run out after
the fly-line.
Bend verb used to describe the action of tying
two ropes together by their ends; thus the name
of various knots used to tie one rope to another
or to an object.
Bight the slack section of a rope, extending from
the working end to the standing end (qq.v),
especially when it is formed into a loop when a
rope is bent back on itself. A knot tied "in the
bight" or "on the bight" does not require the
ends for the tying process.
Breaking strafn or strength (BS) the rope
man ufacturer' s estimate of the load that will
cause a rope to part; the calculation takes no
account of wear and tear, shock loading or
knots, and it ca nnot be regarded as a safe
working load ('f. v .). The manufacturer's
calculation is based on the strengt h of a line
when it is dry. Lines are weaker when they are
knotted or wet.
Butt the thick part of a leader, the other section
havi ng been joined to the fl y-line. it is usuall y
monofilament with a breaking strain of 19-22
pounds, although braided monofilament is
sometimes used.
Cable a large rope or anchor warp ('l.v.) or
chain.
Cable-laid rope formed of three right-handed
hawsers laid up left-handed to form a larger,
nine-stranded rope or cable.
Capsize verb used to describe the distortion in
the shape of a knot that loosens or sl.ips when it
is under stress; some knots are deliberately
capsized as a way of tying or untying them.
Carabiner a metal coupling link with a safety
closure used by mountaineers.
Clear verb used to describe the action of
loosening tangles in ropes.
Cleat a small piece of wood or metal with
projecting ends on which a rope may be
fastened.
Co rd the name given several tightly twisted
yarns ('l.v.) to make a line with a diameter of
less than 'h inch.

79

Cordage a collective name for ropes and cords,
used especially to describe the ropes in a ship's
rigging.
Core or heart the inner part or heart of a rope or
sennet ('l.v.) of more tha n three strands and in
most braided lines; it is formed from a loosely
twisted strand or from a bundle of parallel
yarns and runs the length of larger ropes. It
may be a cheap, weak filler or serve specificall y
as a s trengthener or stiffener.
Dog verb used to describe the winding back of
the tail end of a rope around itself or around
another rope (often larger) wi th the lay ('l.v.) to
secure it temporarily against a lengthwise pull.
Dogged the word used to describe a draw loop
that is prevented from undoing accidentally by
whipping (q .v.) it or sticking something
through it.
Double: line: si milar to a loop ('l.v.), but both
strands of line are used toget her rather than
working wi th the loop that is formed.
Dropper a short length of monofilament bearing
a wet fly and joined to the leader between the
end fl y and the fl y-line. Some leaders are
commercially made with d roppers attached;
alternatively, droppers may be attached to a
plain leader by means of a blood knot (see page
70). See also team of fli es, below.
Eight-plait strong but flexible rope formed from
four pairs of strands, two of which spiral
clockwise and two of which spiral
antidockwise; such rope does not ki nk.
End usually the end of a length of rope that is
being knotted, but see standing end and
working end.
Eye a loop formed at the end of a length of rope
by seizing or splicing (qq.v.J.
Fid a tapering wooden pin used to work or
loosen strands of a rope.
Fout describes a rope that cannot s lide because it
is tangled or caught.
Fray verb used to describe the unraveli ng,
especially of the end, of a length of rope.
Grommet a ring, usually of twisted rope or
meta\, used to fasten the edge of a sail to its
stay, to hold an oa r in place, etc.
Hanger see pendant .
Hawser a rope or cable large enough for towing
or mooring; it usually has a circumference of
5-24 inches.
"
o
,.
o
Heart see core.
Hitch a knot that secures a rope to a post, ring,
spar, etc. or to another rope.
Kemmantel modern synthetic rope made of a
smooth outer sheath of tightly braided fi bers
fitted over a core of filaments.
lanyard a short rope or cord, usuall y three
stranded and often braided or ornamented,
used to secure objects or rigging or as a handle
for tools and gear.
lay the di rection, either left- or right-handed, of
the twist of the strands forming a rope.
Lead the di rection taken by the working end
(q.v.) through a knot.
Leader the length of nylon t hat for ms the
junction between the fly-line and the fly.lt may
be tapered mechanically and thus be knotless or
it may be reduced in diameter by using sections
of lines with different diameters. Because it is
less bulky than the fly-line itself, more delicate
presentation of the fly is possible. In addi tion,
when a floating li ne is used, lengthening the
leader makes it possible to fis h in deeper water.
Line the generic name for cordage with no
specific purpose, although it can be used to
refer to rope with a defi nite use - e.g., fishing
line, clothes line.
Loop a part of a rope bent so that its parts come
together or cross.
Marline a thin line of two, often loosely twisted,
strands, used for twisting round the ends of
ropes or cables to prevent fraying.
Mar1ing the act of lashing or binding wit h
marline (q.u.), taking a hi tch at each turn.
Mar1inspike or mar1inespike a pointed iron
instrument for separating the strands of a rope
in splicing or marling (qq. v.).
Nip the binding pressure within a knot that
prevents it from slipping.
Pendant or hanger a short length of rope wi th an
eye spliced (q.v.) in one end and a hook in the
other.
Plain-laid rope three-stranded rope, twisted-
i.e., lai d - to the right.
Point a conical or decorative end of a rope used
to help reeve (q.v.) it through holes and eyes.
Reeve verb used to describe the act of slipping
the end of a rope through a block, ring or cleat
(q.v. ).
Rope a thick, strong cord measuring more than
1 inch in circumference made from intertwis ted
strands of fi ber, thi n wire, leather stri ps, etc.
Safe working load (SWL) the estimated load that
can be placed on a rope without it
given its age, condi tion, the knots used and any
shock loading. NB: safe working load may be as
li ttle as one-sixth of the manufacturer's quoted
breaking strength (q. vJ.
80
Seized fastened or attached by binding with
turns of yarn.
Sennit brai ded cordage made in flat or round or
square form from between three and nine
cords.
Slack the part of rope that is not under tension.
S-Iaid rope left-handed rope.
Small stuff twine, string or cord (q .v.), or rope
that has a circumfe rence of less than 1 inch or a
diameter of less than Ih inch.
Soft laid loosely twisted rope.
Splice verb used to describe the act of joining
ends of rope by interweaving strands.
Standing end the short area at the end of the
standing part (q. u.).
Standing part the part of a rope that is fixed or
under tension as opposed to the end that is free
(the working end) wi th which the knot is tied.
In fishing, the standing pa rt is wound around
the reel.
Stopper a short length of rope or chain used to
limit the running of a line or to hold lines whi le
they are cleated (q . v .) .
Strand yarns twisted together in the opposite
di rection to the yarn itself; rope made with
strands (not braided) is known as laid line.
Tag end the part of a fishing line in which the
knot is tied; see working end.
Team offties two, three or four wet flies
attached to the same leader by means of short
lengths of monofilament (or droppers, see
above) . When three fl ies are used, the top one
(which bounces off the surface of the water) is
known as the bob fly or top dropper, the middle
one is known as the middle dropper and the
bottom one is known as the point or tail fl y.
Tippet or point the thi n, termina l section of the
leader to which the fly is tied. It is usually
12-18 inches long.
Turn one round of a rope - i.e. , the basic
element of the knot; a turn is usually achieved
by passing the working end around the
standing part or a standing loop. To take a turn
is to make a single round with the rope around
a cleat (q.v.) or ballard.
Warp verb describing the act of moving a vessel
from one place in a harbor to another by means
of ropes or hawsers; a warp is, thus, a rope or
hawser used for that purpose.
Whipping the act of tightl y wrapping small stuff
around the end of a length of rope to prevel1tit----
unlaying and fraying.
Working end the part of a rope used in tying a
knot; the opposi te of standing end (q.v.) .
Yarn the basic element of a rope or cord.
Z-Iaid right-handed rope.
,
EXPERT INSTRUCTIONS FOR TYING KNOTS
CORRECTLY AND SAFELY

STEPBYSTEP, COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS CLEARLY
INDICATE EVERY LOOP AND BEND

FULL GUIDANCE IN SELECTING THE RIGHT KNOT FOR
SPECIRC SITUATIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION ON SELECTING THE PROPER
ROPE FOR THE JOB

INCLUDES STOPPER KNOTS, LOOPS, HITCHES,
SHORTENINGS, RUNNING KNOTS, AND ANGLING KNOTS
I SBN \-56138-225-0