Knots to Know

Here are some must-know knots for any of your Scouting adventures!

Clove Hitch

This easy knot can be used to tie a horse to a post. It’s also the knot used to start and finish most lashings. The knot is tied with two loops of rope stacked on top of one another so that they interlock and hold firm. This is one of the quickest knots to learn.

1. Wrap the rope around a post and cross it.
2. Wrap the leading end of the rope around the post again and tuck it under itself below the cross.
3. Pull tight.

Fortified Square Knot

The basic square knot, or “joining” knot, is the first knot many scouts learn on the night they join a Scout troop. Take it a step further by adding an overhand knot to each end of the original square knot and you’ll have an even stronger, fortified knot!

Why: The fortified square knot is less likely to slip out of place, making it ideal for objects you’d want tied securely like bandages or boat sails.

1) Right over left and under, left over right and under, then pull.

2) The fortified square knot strengthens the basic knot by adding an overhand knot to each end, which makes it less likely to slip.

Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch knot is one of the easiest knots to learn. Find a post strong enough to hold whatever you want to secure and wrap your rope around the post. Cross the line, wrap the leading end of the line around the post again and then tuck the end of the line under itself below the cross.

Why: The Clove Hitch is useful for the start and finish of most lashings, or any other time you want to tether an object to a post.

Bowline

his loop knot is popular among climbers and sailors. It’s a secure knot that will not slip or loosen. In a rescue, a bowline can be tied around a person’s waist so he can be hoisted to safety.The bowline is often taught using the story of the rabbit and the hunter.

1. Form the rabbit’s hole by making a loop in the rope. Take the leading line (the rabbit) up through the hole.
2. The “rabbit” sees a hunter, runs around the tree (the standing line of the rope)
3. It goes back into the hole. Pull both ends of the rope to finish the knot.

Chain Sinnet

To shorten a long line of rope use the deceptively simple chain sinnet. When you need the full length of line, a quick tug frees the entire rope without any kinks or knots.

1. Make an overhand slip knot.
2. Pull the loose end through to make another slip knot.
3. Repeat as many times as necessary and pull tight.

Double Fisherman’s Knot

This useful knot ties two ropes of equal diameter securely together. It’s secure enough to be used in rappelling—but can be difficult to untie.

1. Place two lengths of rope parallel to each other. With the leading end of the lower rope, tie two overhand knots around the upper rope; pull the knot tight. With the leading end of the upper rope, tie an overhand knot around the lower rope.
2. Pull the knot tight.