Easy Knot Tying Instructions

Knot tying can be complicated. There are many kinds of knots, and it can be hard to figure out the best way to tie a knot and which knots to use. We want to help people learn to tie some simple knots for their own use. Here we have presented 3 different knots and easy steps for tying each of them that we want to share with you.

We have chosen the Figure-Eight knot, the Clove Hitch Knot, and the Sheet Bend knot. Each of these has its general uses; The Figure-Eight Knot is used as a stopper knot to keep rope from running out of retaining devices. The Clove Hitch knot is great securing lines and can easily adjust the position on the rope to allow for the rope to be let out more. Finally, the Sheet Bend Knot is great for joining 2 ropes together. In this instructable we will teach you how to tie these 3 simple knots like a pro.

Supplies

1-2 pieces of rope or string

Key Terms

Leading/Working End- The end of the rope used to tie the knot.

Standing Part- The part of the rope not active in knot tying

Bight- A U shaped section of rope

Figure Eight Knot

The figure eight knot is one of the strongest knots that forms a secure loop. It is popular for both boating and rock climbing due to its grip. The knot got its name due to its shape.

Identify Your Leading End

Like with any other knot, the first step to tying a figure eight knot is to identify your leading end of your rope. The leading end is the beginning of your rope.

Create Your First Loop

The second step is to put your leading end over the standing end, creating a loop. This step will resemble a “P” shape.

Create Your Eight

Take the leading end and put it underneath the standing part, creating an "8”

Stick the Leading End Through the Top Loop.

Tighten the Knot

Pull either ends of the rope tight to create the finalized figure eight knot.

The Second Knot: the Sheet Bend Knot

The sheet-bend, also called a becket knot and a weaver’s knot/hitch, is a simple and important knot used for tying two pieces of rope, often of different diameters or rigidities, together. The sheet bend is considered one of the most essential knots to learn. It is a general use knot that is known for its simplicity and non-jamming properties.

Form a Bight

Take an end of a rope and make a bight as shown below. The standing part should not be crossed with the leading end.

Add Another Rope

Take the free end of another rope and pull it through the center of the bight.

Wrap the Rope

Wrap the second rope around the bight. You can wrap it in either direction.

Tuck the Rope Underneath

Once the wrap is complete, tuck the second rope under its loop.

Pull Tight

Pull the ends of the rope tight to create the finalized sheet bend knot.

The Final Knot: the Clove Hitch Knot

The clove hitch knot is a simple all-purpose hitch that is easy to tie and untie. The clove hitch knot can be useful for securing ropes to trees, posts, or poles. This quick and easy knot can help in a wide range of circumstances, but it can be unpredictable and come undone or tighten up at random.

Create a Loop

Put your leading end under the standing part, creating a loop. Depending on how you look at it, this step will resemble a “P” shape.

Form a Second Loop

Form a second loop by twisting the rope in the opposite direction of the first loop

Put Your Loops Together

Put the loops together, placing the first loop in front of the second loop.

Tighten the Knot

Pull the knot tight around an object of your choosing to create a finalized clove hitch knot.