Cheat sheet: Knots and rope work

1. 1Name the parts of the rope – The working end is the part you tie with.
2. 2Tell a bight from a loop – A bight is a U-shaped fold of rope whose legs do not cross.
3. 3Turn and round turn – A turn takes the rope once around an object.
4. 4Tie, dress, set – After tying, a knot is dressed (turns lie parallel, nothing twisted) and then set by pulling evenly on all ends.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-terminology

1. 1Inspect the rope before use – Run the rope through your hands and look for cuts, hard or glazed spots, lumps, exposed core and heavy discolouration.
2. 2Secure the ends – Unsecured ends unravel.
3. 3Store dry and dark – Store rope dry, clean, loosely coiled and protected from sunlight, heat and chemicals (battery acid, solvents, fuel).

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-rope-materials

1. 1Lay the twine bight – Lay a long bight of twine along the rope end, with the bight pointing towards the end.
2. 2Wrap tightly – Wrap the twine tightly around the rope and the bight, working towards the end, turn beside turn, until the band is roughly as wide as the…
3. 3End through the bight – Pass the wrapping end through the free bight.
4. 4Draw the bight under – Pull the other end of the twine until the bight is drawn about halfway under the wraps.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-whipping

1. 1Start – Take both ends together (rope doubled) or one end, leaving about two arm lengths free.
2. 2Lay bights alternately – Lay the rope in arm-length bights alternately left and right over your hand or neck until little rope remains.
3. 3Wrap the middle – Take the bundle off and wrap the free ends tightly around the middle several times.
4. 4Secure – Push a bight of the ends through the top of the bundle and pass the ends through that bight; pull snug.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-butterfly-coil

1. 1Starting loop – Tie a slipped loop near one end.
2. 2Draw a bight through – Reach through the loop, grab the rope beyond it and pull a new bight through.
3. 3Repeat – Keep repeating with the newest loop until the rope is short enough.
4. 4Lock – Pass the end through the last loop and pull lightly.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-chain-sinnet

1. 1Lay out the standing part – Lay the standing part (sandstone) horizontally, coming from the left.
2. 2Form a loop – Continue the working end (orange) to the right, curve it up and back over the top to the left.
3. 3Bring the end into the loop – Take the end round underneath and back up, passing OVER the standing part into the loop.
4. 4Lead the end out – Lead the end out of the loop by passing it UNDER the right-hand side of the loop, and run it out to the right.
5. 5Dress and tighten – Dress the knot so nothing is twisted and set it by pulling evenly on standing part and end.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-overhand

1. 1Lay out the standing part – Lay out the standing part (sandstone), coming from the left.
2. 2Form a loop – Continue the working end (orange) to the right, then arc it up and back to the left.
3. 3Wrap around the standing part – Take the end down, round to the left and up, passing UNDER (behind) the standing part.
4. 4Pass through the loop – Lead the end to the right, crossing OVER the left side of the loop into the loop, then down, passing UNDER the standing part – that is…
5. 5Lead the end out – Lead the end out to the right.
6. 6Dress and tighten – Dress the knot until the eight is clearly visible and no turn is twisted, then pull standing part and end evenly to set it. Leave a…

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-figure-eight

1. 1Make a loop – Form a loop near the end, as for an overhand knot.
2. 2Tuck twice – Pass the end through the loop, then take it around once more and through the same loop again.
3. 3Dress and set – Pull slowly on both sides.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-double-overhand

1. 1Make a loop – Form a loop near the end so the end crosses over the standing part.
2. 2Two turns around the standing part – Take the end behind the standing part and right around it a second time, so two turns lie side by side.
3. 3Tuck through the first loop – Pass the end from the front through the loop you made first.
4. 4Dress and set – Dress the turns, then pull on end and standing part to set.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-stevedore

1. 1Make a loop – Form a loop as for an overhand knot.
2. 2Tuck a bight – Fold the end into a small bight and push only the bight through the loop; the actual end stays outside.
3. 3Set – Pull on the bight and the standing part to set it.
4. 4Release – To open, pull the tail.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-slipped-overhand

1. 1Make a loop – Form a loop near the end: the end runs under the rope.
2. 2Draw a bight of the standing part through – Push a bight of the standing part through the loop from behind: under the loop's lower edge and out over its far edge.
3. 3End through the bight – Lead the short end to the bight and pass it through from behind: under the bight's upper side and out over its lower side.
4. 4Set and check – Pull on the standing part until the bight closes firmly around the end.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-ashley-stopper

1. 1Make the first turn – Pass the working end once around the post or branch.
2. 2Cross over the standing part – Lead the end diagonally over the standing part to form a crossing, and make a second turn in the same direction beside the first.
3. 3Tuck under the second turn – Tuck the end under the second turn so it emerges between the two turns, running the opposite way to the standing part.
4. 4Set – Pull end and standing part at the same time until both turns grip the object firmly.
5. 5Back up if needed – For intermittent loads, add one or two half hitches with the end around the standing part.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-clove-hitch

1. 1Pass around the object – Pass the working end around the object – once (a turn) or, for more grip, twice (a round turn).
2. 2Tie the first half hitch – Take the end over the standing part, around behind it and back through the loop just formed.
3. 3Second half hitch in the same direction – Tie a second half hitch in the same direction beside the first, further from the object.
4. 4Slide up and set – Slide the hitches towards the object and pull the end tight.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-two-half-hitches

1. 1Pass around the anchor – Pass the working end around the stake, post or branch and back up on the other side, alongside the standing part.
2. 2Two turns inside the loop – With the end, make two turns around the standing part: take it over the front of the standing part and back round behind it, twice.
3. 3One turn outside – Bring the end back up on the outside of the two turns.
4. 4Dress and set – Dress the turns so they lie snug and parallel, and pull them tight.
5. 5Adjust the tension – Slide the knot along the standing part away from the anchor to tighten the line, or towards it to slacken.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-taut-line-hitch

1. 1Around the object – Pass the end around the log or bundle.
2. 2Around the standing part – Take the end around the standing part and back towards the object.
3. 3Twist the end around its own part – Twist the end several times around the part of the rope that goes around the object.
4. 4Take up the strain – Pull on the standing part until the loop grips the object tightly.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-timber-hitch

1. 1Bight around the object – Pass a bight around behind the object and bring it to the front.
2. 2Strands through the bight – Pull both strands (or the whole sling) through the bight.
3. 3Snug it – Pull evenly on both strands until the bight sits snugly.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-cow-hitch

1. 1First turn – Lay the rope across the front of the object, take the end round behind it and bring it back to the front below the standing part.
2. 2Cross diagonally and second turn – Take the end diagonally upwards across the front of the standing part and around the object a second time – above the first turn, as for a…
3. 3Tuck under the crossing – Bring the end diagonally down across the front and tuck it under the riding turn – and straight after that under the standing part too, so…
4. 4Pull hard – Pull both ends hard.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-constrictor

1. 1Attach one end – Attach one end of the line at the first point, e.g. with a bowline or round turn and two half hitches.
2. 2Loop in the standing part – About an arm's length short of the second anchor, put a loop in the line.
3. 3Around the anchor and back through the loop – Take the end round behind the second anchor (tree, hook, eyelet) and back across its front.
4. 4Tension – Pull the end towards the anchor until the line is taut.
5. 5Tie off – Tie off with two half hitches around both strands between the loop and the anchor: take the end over the front of both strands, back up…

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-truckers-hitch

1. 1Closed loop – Use a closed loop of accessory cord that is clearly thinner than the main rope.
2. 2Lay around the rope – Hang the loop over the main rope from behind so that one end (the bight) hangs down in front.
3. 3More wraps – Take the same end of the loop around the main rope once or twice more – up the front, over the rope, down the back – and each time through…
4. 4Dress and test – Lay the wraps parallel without crossing, with the emerging loop centred.

Danger: This knot is also used in climbing and mountain rescue. This page is not a substitute for training. Use it for life safety only after hands-on instruction by qualified instructors, with certified equipment and with a check by a second trained person (partner check). A mistied or poorly checked knot can be fatal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-prusik

1. 1Place the loop – Lay one end of the loop against the rope at the top.
2. 2Wrap downwards in a spiral – From there, wrap the rest of the loop (both strands together) three times around the rope, working downwards: each wrap goes round the…
3. 3Through the upper end – Bring the free lower end back up on the outside of the wraps and pass it through the open upper end from the front.
4. 4Load downwards and test – Pull the emerging end downwards (towards the load).

Danger: This knot is also used in climbing and mountain rescue. This page is not a substitute for training. Use it for life safety only after hands-on instruction by qualified instructors, with certified equipment and with a check by a second trained person (partner check). A mistied or poorly checked knot can be fatal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-klemheist

1. 1First turn – The standing part comes up at an angle from the direction of the later pull and runs across the front of the pole.
2. 2Second turn – Take the end over the top of the pole and down behind it a second time, even nearer the side of the pull.
3. 3Hitch on the other side – On the side away from the pull, take the end over the top of the pole once more, down behind it and back up the front.
4. 4Set and test – Set it and load it in the planned direction.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-rolling-hitch

1. 1Form a loop – The standing part comes down from the work you want to pull tight.
2. 2Lay the loop on the standing part – Lay the loop flat on top of the standing part, so the standing part runs underneath it, straight across its middle.
3. 3Insert the toggle – Push the toggle over the left side of the loop, under the standing part in the middle and out over the right side of the loop.
4. 4Pull – Pull on the toggle; the cord locks around it. To release, withdraw the toggle.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-marlinspike-hitch

1. 1Start – Tie a clove hitch on the upright just below the crossbar.
2. 2Wrapping turns – Take the rope over the crossbar, behind the upright, over the crossbar on the other side and back behind the upright.
3. 3Frapping turns – Make two or three tight turns between the poles, around the wraps.
4. 4Finish – Finish with a clove hitch on the crossbar and secure the end.

Caution: Home-built structures can give way suddenly. Test load capacity carefully, do not stand under suspended loads, and do not let people climb on untested structures. Follow local rules on cutting wood.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-square-lashing

1. 1Timber hitch around both poles – Tie a timber hitch diagonally around both poles at the crossing and use it to pull them together.
2. 2Wraps on the first diagonal – Make three or four tight wraps in the same direction as the timber hitch.
3. 3Wraps on the second diagonal – Make three or four tight wraps across them, along the other diagonal.
4. 4Frap and finish – Two or three frapping turns between the poles, then finish with a clove hitch on one pole.

Caution: Poles under tension can spring back when lashing or releasing. Keep face and hands out of the line of spring.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-diagonal-lashing

1. 1Start – Lay both poles side by side and tie a clove hitch around one of them.
2. 2Wraps – Wrap several times around both poles – not too tight if they are to be spread later.
3. 3Frapping turns – Two frapping turns between the poles around the wraps.
4. 4Finish and spread – Finish with a clove hitch on the other pole.

Caution: An A-frame can topple sideways or its legs can slide out on slippery ground. Secure or dig in the feet and add guylines.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-shear-lashing

1. 1Lay out the poles – Lay three poles of similar length side by side with their ends level.
2. 2Start – Clove hitch on an outer pole.
3. 3Woven wraps – Weave the rope in figure-eight turns alternately over and under the poles for several rounds, not too tight.
4. 4Frapping turns – Make two loose frapping turns between each pair of poles.
5. 5Finish and stand up – Finish with a clove hitch on the other outer pole.

Caution: Over a fire: synthetic cord melts and wood can char. Keep the lashing well above the flames, prefer natural fibre or wire, and never leave the pot unattended. Follow local fire rules.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-tripod-lashing

1. 1Take a round turn – Take the end right around the object twice so two turns lie side by side.
2. 2First half hitch – Take the end around the standing part and through the loop that forms.
3. 3Second half hitch – Tie a second half hitch in the same direction as the first.
4. 4Slide up and set – Slide the hitches up to the round turn and pull them snug.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-round-turn-two-half-hitches

1. 1Take a round turn – Pass the end through the ring or around the object twice in the same direction, so two turns lie side by side.
2. 2Tuck through the round turn – Take the end up across the front of the standing part and round behind it. Then tuck it back through both turns right next to the object…
3. 3Half hitch – Secure the end with a half hitch around the standing part: diagonally up across the front of the standing part, round behind it and down…
4. 4Set – Pull the round turn and the hitch tight.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-anchor-bend

1. 1Around the object – Pass the end through the ring or around the object and bring it back so it lies below the standing part.
2. 2First turn around the standing part – Bring the end up across the front of the standing part, round behind it and back down a little further away from the object.
3. 3Second turn towards the object – Take the end diagonally across the front of the standing part towards the object, round behind it and back down.
4. 4Tuck under the second turn – Bring the end up across the front of the standing part once more and tuck it under the diagonal part of the second turn, so it points…

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-buntline-hitch

1. 1Form a bight – Form a bight at the point you want.
2. 2Around the post – Take the bight round behind the post and back across the front of the post.
3. 3Under the strands – Lead the bight upwards under both strands that run away from the post.
4. 4Drop over the top – Drop the bight over the top of the post.
5. 5Set – Pull on both strands and slide the knot down.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-pile-hitch

1. 1Around the ring or rail – Take the end up over the front of the rail and back down behind it (or through the ring).
2. 2Form a loop – Lay the end across the front of the standing part.
3. 3Around the standing part – Take the end round behind the standing part and back to the other side.
4. 4Tuck a bight – Make a bight in the end and push it through the loop from the front: over the hanging part, under the standing part.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-halter-hitch

1. 1Start – Tie the rope at one end of the bundle, e.g. with a clove hitch or constrictor knot (not shown).
2. 2Around the bundle – A hand's width further along, take the rope down across the front of the bundle, underneath it and back up behind it. On top, pass it under…
3. 3Over and under – Now lead the end back the way you are working: first over the part that runs down the front, then under the part that has just come up from…
4. 4Repeat and finish – Repeat at even intervals to the end (the picture shows the second hitch, laid exactly the same way) and finish with two half hitches or a…

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-marling-hitch

1. 1Form two loops – Form two identically twisted loops side by side in the rope: in both, the part leading on towards the end lies on top.
2. 2Fold like closing a book – Fold the two loops back to back, like closing a book.
3. 3Clip the carabiner – Clip both loops together into the carabiner and lock it. In the drawing the bar stands for the carabiner: the rope goes round it across the…

Danger: This knot is also used in climbing and mountain rescue. This page is not a substitute for training. Use it for life safety only after hands-on instruction by qualified instructors, with certified equipment and with a check by a second trained person (partner check). A mistied or poorly checked knot can be fatal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-munter-hitch

1. 1Fold into an S – Fold the surplus rope into two bights so three parallel parts lie side by side.
2. 2Drop on the first hitch – Make a half hitch (a loop) in the standing part next to one bight and drop it over that bight so it goes round both legs of the bight.
3. 3Second hitch at the other end – At the other end, do exactly the same with the other standing part over the other bight.
4. 4Tension and secure – Pull on both ends until the hitches sit firmly on the bights.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-sheepshank

1. 1Form a small loop – Form a small overhand loop in the standing part with the part leading to the working end lying on top.
2. 2Pass the end up through – Pass the working end up through the small loop from underneath.
3. 3Around behind the standing part – Take the end around behind the standing part, above the small loop.
4. 4Back down through the small loop – Pass the end back down through the small loop the way it came, so it lies parallel to its own leg of the main loop.
5. 5Set and check – Hold the tail and the adjacent loop leg together and pull firmly on the standing part.
6. 6Back up if needed – With intermittent loads or slick rope, secure the tail with a stopper (e.g. a double overhand) tied around the adjacent loop leg.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-bowline

1. 1Form a bight – Double the rope end to form a bight the size of the loop you want.
2. 2Overhand with both strands – Tie an overhand knot with the doubled rope: take the bight around both strands and pass it through the loop that forms.
3. 3Dress and set – Lay both strands parallel, then pull on the loop and both strands to set.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-overhand-loop

1. 1Form a bight – Double the rope, making the bight a little larger than the loop you want.
2. 2Bight around both strands – Use the bight to form a loop over both strands, then take it once right around behind both strands.
3. 3Tuck through the first loop – Pass the bight from the front through the first loop.
4. 4Dress and check – Lay the strands parallel with no crossings inside the knot.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-figure-eight-loop

1. 1Loose eight in single rope – Tie a loose figure-eight with enough rope left after it. That length determines the size of the finished loop.
2. 2Pass around the object – Pass the end around or through the object.
3. 3Retrace in parallel – Lead the end back into the knot where it left it and follow the original path strand by strand in parallel – in the reverse direction …
4. 4Dress, set, check – Lay all strands parallel, set by pulling on all four strands and check: figure-eight visible, strands in pairs throughout, sufficient tail.

Danger: This knot is also used in climbing and mountain rescue. This page is not a substitute for training. Use it for life safety only after hands-on instruction by qualified instructors, with certified equipment and with a check by a second trained person (partner check). A mistied or poorly checked knot can be fatal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-figure-eight-follow-through

1. 1Wrap twice round the hand – Hold one hand flat in front of you: palm towards you, fingers up. Lay the rope from the left across the middle of your palm.
2. 2Pull the top piece down – Take hold of the top piece (at your fingertips) in its middle and pull it down as a bight: in front of the middle piece and in front of the…
3. 3Push the bight back up behind – Now push the bight back up behind the bottom piece and behind the middle piece – between the rope and your palm – and also behind what is…
4. 4Set and test – Slide the knot carefully off your hand.

Danger: This knot is also used in climbing and mountain rescue. This page is not a substitute for training. Use it for life safety only after hands-on instruction by qualified instructors, with certified equipment and with a check by a second trained person (partner check). A mistied or poorly checked knot can be fatal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-alpine-butterfly

1. 1Take a bight – Double the rope to make a long bight.
2. 2Small loop in the doubled rope – With the doubled rope, form a small loop as for a bowline: the part that leads on to the bight lies on top of the two standing strands.
3. 3Bight up through – Push the bight up through the small loop from back to front – under its lower edge, over its upper edge – and pull a good length through.
4. 4Pass the bight over the loops – Open out the bight, fold it forwards and down and slip it over the whole large loop.
5. 5Set – Pull on both loops and the standing parts until the knot is snug.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-bowline-on-a-bight

1. 1Rope over the branch – Pass the end over the branch or around the object and bring it some way back down.
2. 2Form a small loop – In the part coming down from the branch, form a small loop as for a bowline: the part leading to the end lies on top.
3. 3Round the standing part and up through the loop – Take the end behind the standing part and back across its front.
4. 4Round behind the part from the branch – Take the end round behind the part coming down from the branch, above the small loop.
5. 5Back down through the small loop – Pass the end back down through the small loop the same way it came, so it lies beside its own leg on the inside of the loop.
6. 6Check and cinch – Check that the standing part runs freely through the loop, then cinch the noose on the object.

Danger: Never put a tightening loop around the neck or limbs of people or animals – not even in play.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-running-bowline

1. 1Two loops on top of each other – Form a small loop in the standing part as for a bowline: the part leading to the end lies on top of the standing part.
2. 2End up through both loops – Pass the end up through both loops from underneath, leaving the loop size you want.
3. 3Around the standing part and back – Take the end round behind the standing part and back across its front.
4. 4Set and back up – Dress the turns, pull tight and leave a long tail.

Danger: This knot is also used in climbing and mountain rescue. This page is not a substitute for training. Use it for life safety only after hands-on instruction by qualified instructors, with certified equipment and with a check by a second trained person (partner check). A mistied or poorly checked knot can be fatal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-double-bowline

1. 1Pass around the bundle – Pass the cord around the bundle from underneath and bring both ends together on top.
2. 2First half knot: right over left – Lay the right end over the left one.
3. 3Second half knot: left over right – Now exactly the other way round: lay the end that lies on the left over the right one.
4. 4Check the form – Each end leaves the knot on the same side as its own standing part; the knot lies flat and symmetrical.
5. 5Set – Pull evenly on all four strands until the knot sits firmly against the bundle.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-reef

1. 1Bight in the thicker rope – Form a bight in the end of the thicker (or stiffer) rope and hold it in one hand.
2. 2Thin end up through the bight – Pass the end of the thinner rope up through the bight from underneath.
3. 3Around both legs of the bight – Take the thin end around behind both legs of the bight.
4. 4Tuck under itself – Tuck the thin end under its own standing part – not through the bight.
5. 5Set and check – Pull on both standing parts.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-sheet-bend

1. 1Overlap the ends – Lay the two ends side by side, pointing in opposite directions, with plenty of overlap.
2. 2First knot – With the first end, tie a double overhand around the other rope: wrap twice around both strands, then tuck the end back through the two…
3. 3Second knot, mirrored – With the other end, tie the same knot in the opposite direction around the first rope.
4. 4Pull together and check – Pull on both standing parts until the knots meet.

Danger: This knot is also used in climbing and mountain rescue. This page is not a substitute for training. Use it for life safety only after hands-on instruction by qualified instructors, with certified equipment and with a check by a second trained person (partner check). A mistied or poorly checked knot can be fatal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-double-fishermans

1. 1Loose overhand – Tie a loose overhand knot in one end of the webbing, keeping it flat and untwisted.
2. 2Retrace with the other end – Feed the other end into the knot from the side where the first end emerges and follow the path exactly and flat until it exits beside the…
3. 3Set and check – Pull all four strands firmly.

Danger: This knot is also used in climbing and mountain rescue. This page is not a substitute for training. Use it for life safety only after hands-on instruction by qualified instructors, with certified equipment and with a check by a second trained person (partner check). A mistied or poorly checked knot can be fatal.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-water-knot

1. 1Loop in the first rope – Form a loop in the first rope: the end runs under its own standing part.
2. 2Second rope under the loop – From the other side, lay the end of the second rope across under the whole loop, so under both sides of the loop.
3. 3Back across the loop – Now lead the end back across the loop: over one side of the loop, under its own rope (the part lying under the loop) and out over the other…
4. 4Check the pattern – Check: every crossing alternates over and under, and the two ends lie diagonally on opposite sides of the knot.
5. 5Load it – Pull slowly on both standing parts; the knot draws up into a compact form.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-carrick-bend

1. 1Bight in the thicker rope – Form a bight in the thicker rope.
2. 2Thin rope up through the bight – Push the thinner rope up through the bight from behind.
3. 3First turn – Take the end down over the front of the lower leg, up behind both legs and back down over the front of the upper leg.
4. 4Second turn – Right beside it, towards the tip of the bight, make exactly the same round again: down over the front of the lower leg, up behind, down…

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-double-sheet-bend

1. 1Lay parallel – Lay the two ends side by side, pointing in opposite directions.
2. 2First overhand – With the first end, tie an overhand knot around the second rope.
3. 3Second overhand – With the second end, tie a mirror-image overhand around the first rope.
4. 4Draw together – Set each knot, then pull on the standing parts until they sit against each other.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-fishermans-knot

1. 1Make a 6 – Make a 6 with the first rope: the standing part comes from above, the end runs all the way round and finally lies on top of the standing…
2. 2Make a 9, the 6 on top – Make a 9 with the second rope: the standing part comes from below, the end finally lies under the standing part.
3. 3End of the 6 up through the middle – Take the end of the 6 round to the back and bring it up through the shared middle from behind: under the two near edges, out over the two…
4. 4End of the 9 down through the middle – Take the end of the 9 round to the front and push it down through the shared middle, beside the first end in the opposite direction: over…
5. 5Set – Set slowly; the finished knot is symmetrical with the tails pointing in opposite directions.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-zeppelin-bend

1. 1Pass around the bundle – Pass the cord around the bundle from underneath and bring both ends together on top.
2. 2Double first throw: right over left – Lay the right end over the left one and take it round behind the left end, below that crossing.
3. 3Single second throw: left over right – Now only once and exactly the other way round, as in the reef knot: lay the end that lies on the left over the right one.
4. 4Set and check – Pull tight.

Danger: Not for life-safety use: not for climbing, abseiling, rescue, or lifting or securing people. Those require certified equipment, rated rope and proper training.

survivebetter.com/en/explore/knots/knot-surgeons-knot