In the Loop

by  Julia Sharp
Illustrated by  Jessi Chambliss
 

ITL.SquareKnot


The Square Knot


The square knot is used for joining two shorter lengths of rope together to make one longer piece. It’s often used to pitch a tent, hang a clothing line, or bundle and transport firewood.


How to tie:
1. Lap the left end over and under the right.
2. Cross with the top two lines, and place the right
under and over the left to form a circle.
3. Pull all four ends to tighten the knot.


ITL.TwoHalfStitches


Two Half Stitches


This knot secures a line to trees or poles and it’s great for hanging hammocks or rain flys.

How to tie:
1. Wrap the shorter end around the post.
2. Then lap the shorter end over the longer end and pull it towards you through the loop to make the first half hitch.
3. Next, wrap the shorter end around the rope again in the same direction to make the second half hitch.
4. Pull it tight to secure the line.

 


ITL.Bowline


Bowline

A bowline will create a secure yet temporary loop in the end of a line. The loop can be dropped over a piling or hitch when docking a boat.

How to tie:
1. Lay the rope across your left hand with the free end hanging at the bottom. Form a small loop by placing the free end over the rope. Then bring the free end up and pass through the loop from underneath.
2. Wrap the free end around the standing line and
back down through the loop again.
3. Tighten the knot by pulling on the free end.

 

 


ITL.RollingHitch


Rolling Hitch

Similar to a bowline, this knot is a quick and easy way to fasten a rope to a post or tie a snubber line to an anchor chain. It can also be tied to itself to create a non-slipping loop.

How to tie:
1. Wrap the free end around the post twice.
2. Wrap it around the post a third time, going above
the standing line.
3. Pass the free end under the last wrap, then pull
tight to secure.


ITL.ImprovedClinchKnot


 

Improved Clinch Knot

 

One of the most widely used fishing knots is the improved clinch, because it’s a fast and reliable method of securing a fishing line to a hook or lure. It’s harder to tie in heavier lines, so it’s not recommended for braided line or over 25-pound test line.

How to tie:
1.Thread the free end through the eye of the hook. Pull about six inches of line through and then make five to seven twists over the standing line from the bottom up.
2. Pass the free end of the line through the small loop formed just above the eye, then through the big loop just created. Be careful that the coils don’t overlap.
3. Wet the knot and pull the loose end to tighten the coil around the hook. Trim the ends.

 


ITL.SurgeonsKnot


The Surgeon’s Knot

This knot is best for joining lines of equal or unequal diameters, such as fishing line of different weights. It only uses basic overhand knot techniques, making it quick and easy to tie.

How to tie:
1. Place leader line next to the main line.
2. Form an overhand knot by passing the long end of the leader and tag end of mainline through the loop.
3. Form a second overhand knot by passing the
same ends through the loop.
4. Moisten and tighten by pulling all four ends slowly.
Trim the ends.


 

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