Welcome to the Ultimate Guide To Tying Knots For Preppers. One of the best ways we can prepare for future survival scenarios is to learn how to tie a few different knots so no matter whether we are climbing a mountain or fishing in the Atlantic—you’ll know the important knots to tie.
This is an extensive guide that covers dozens of different knots. We also cover the different tools that are essential for knot tying, how to store rope, the different parts of knots and everything in between.
Let’s get knotty.
Do you know how to tie a knot if it meant your survival? How about a specific knot that you would need in a sudden survival scenario?
Knowing how to tie a climbing knot sounds more pleasant than learning how to fall safely, doesn’t it.
You don’t need to learn and perfect all of the paracord hitches, but developing your skills with the knots you that would serve you personally on a regular basis is well worth it.
If you haven’t learned the essential Knots to be able to tie yet, not a problem. Tying a specific survival or fishing Knot can mean the difference between surviving and Knot surviving. There are many different kinds of Knots for different kinds of scenarios. From doomsday situations to fishing for dinner.
Some Knots are essential to learning and others not so much. Most of the time you’ll only have to be able to tie a few Knots. Other Knots are only needed in rare or special circumstances. So depending on your activities, some Knot categories would be more essential for you than others. There are Knots just for fisherman use and Knots that are more common when camping. Learn the ones that you are going to use the most first.
After reading this guide, you’ll be able to say you know your knots.
Knot Knowledge 101
The importance of knowing how to tie knots, when, and where to use them are more than useful—they could be life-saving.
Of course, every Knot has it’s a special place and is used for specific purposes depending on your situation. Learn ahead of time before you need to use. You don’t want to learn how to tie a Knot in an emergency.
Rope Construction
The construction of the rope tells you important details about what can and should be done with the rope. Certain materials should be used for certain purposes and knots, while other types of construction are for other uses and types of knots.
Let’s go over the different types of rope materials and construction.
Three-Strand
Three-stranded rope is made by twisting fibers into yarn, followed by twisting the yarns into strands. Then three of those strands are twisted together to create rope.
Braided
The most common type of rope that you’ll get familiar with has a braided cover. Inside being the twisted tether or yarns and fibers we just talked about above in the three strand rope.
Materials
There are two kinds of cordage materials. Natural and Synthetic. You can even make your own cordage.
Natural Materials
- cotton
- sisal
- manila
Synthetic Materials
- polypropylene
- polyester
- nylon
Terms and Techniques
This is Knot just a stuffed list full of meaningless terms and definitions.
Get used to these terms. Say them out loud a few times. Read them. Read them again. Become friendly with them.
As for the techniques, there are a few you’ll soon become very familiar with as you learn and practice different kinds of knots and more of the same knots.
Knot Ends
The two ends of the rope are called:
- standing part
- working end
Rope Shaping
Shaping the rope is when you physically shape, mold, and morph the knot you just tied using your bare hands. This is also referred to as “dressing” the rope.
There are three primary shapes that rope is made into during the tying process. Ropes are twisted and bent into loops, bights, and crossing turn in order to create other kinds of knots.
- A bight is the term to describe a rope that’s doubled.
- A loop is a circular shape that the rope is formed into without crossing itself.
- Crossing turn is when the rope forms into a circle shape after crossing itself.
Turns Around an Object
When a step requires “turns around an object, the technique means to take 1 end
Useful Tools
There are only a few tools needed for the school of hard knots, but they are all specialized purposeful pieces of equipment that a will never hesitate to surprise you by their functionality.
Choosing to use these tools when handling ropes and knots easily make you 50% more efficient than not using them.
There are only a handful of tools for learning the ropes and tying knots. Here is a the list of essential tools.
- Sailmakers Palm and Needle
- Adhesive Tape
- Sharp Knife
- Netting Needle
- Marlinspike
- Swedish Fid
Sailmakers Palm and Needle
When you need to push a needle through a thick, tough rope; the Sailmaker’s Palm and Needle is what you’ll use. It’s a fortified reinforced glove that’s made to withstand the pressure from needle points.
Adhesive Tape
Tape is essential to have, specifically for making temporary whippings that will be just enough to get the job done until you can either fix the knot or tie a new one.
Knife
As with nearly any other activity in the survival lifestyle, a knife is essential. A blade is especially useful for cutting and trimming rope.
Netting Needle
The netting needle is used when your working with thin line like you would use for creating nets.
Marlinspike
The marlinspike is used for separating strands of rope from a knot. The entire tool is made of metal.
Swedish Fid
The swedish fid is a hollow blade that’s used for tucking rope when splicing. The hollow profile of the blade makes it easy.
Rope Storage
Don’t learn how to tie 172 different knots but not take a few hours to learn how to properly store rope.
Types of Knots
You may be asking yourself, how many types of rope knots are there?
A lot.
That’s tough to answer. There are different categories and subcategories for Knots. We’ll go through each category of Knots in this guide though.
Knots can be broken down into different fields they’re primarily used in, such as survival knots or sailing knots. Another way to break them into is by specific types, such as hitches and bend knots. We’ll list both right now for a broad overview and then go through each one more in-depth.
Categories:
- Survival
- Sailing
- Climbing
- Fishing
Types:
- Coils
- Hitches
- Bends
- Loops
- Binding
- Stopper
- Splices & Whippings
- Decorative
Survival Knots
These are the Knots that you’re going want to get the most familiar with. These Knots will be what you’ll be using when you’re in a pinch and need to tie something for safety and survival purposes.
Sailing and Boating
Boating advocates are serious about their rope-tying abilities, and for good reason. Knowing the most important sailing knots is essential for survival on the water.
These knots are the best for sailing:
- Cleat Hitch
- bowline
- figure eight
- sheet bend
- round turn two half hitches
- rolling hitch
- square knot
Further Reading on Boating & Sailing Knots:
Fishing
Even if it’s knowing how to tie a net to catch fish with, fishing and rope go hand-in-hand.
The best knots for fishing are:
- Bimini Twist
- Palomar Knot
- Blood Dropper
- Snelling a Hook
- Blood Knot
- Figure Eight
Further Reading on Fishing Knots:
Camping
The best knots for camping are:
- Square Lashing
- Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
- Bowline
- Waggoner’s Hitch
Further Reading on Camping Knots:
Mountaineering and Climbing
For a casual prepper, it’s not thought of being urgent to learn the ropes and tie some knots over and over. It’s just knot a big deal…
For the climber, it’s the exact opposite. One of the fundamental safety precautions mountaineers take is in the their ability to know which knot to tie and to tie it perfectly. Not only gaining the knowledge for tying them, but checking the knots afterward and be able to identify any potential hazards.
These knots are the best for climbers.
- Italian Hitch
- Prusik knot
- figure eight
- double fisherman
- alpine butterfly
- bowline with stopper
Further Reading on Mountaineering Knots:
Gardening
Knots can be extra valuable to the gardener, especially one with a backyard garden that a lot of work is going in to. Using rope to bind together poles and other pieces to make different structures are especially valuable.
The best knots for gardening are:
- Constrictor
- Sheer Lashing
- Round Turn and Two Half hitches
- Square Lashing
- Timber Hitch
- Sheet Bend
Further Reading on Gardening Knots:
Now for the meat of this guide. Starting off the different categories of knots is the coils category.
Coils
As you’ll learn about coils more in depth just below this section, Coils are used primarily for storing rope.
Coils are great for storing rope. You can wrap a lot of yards around in circles making a thick coil of rope that can un-wravel to stretch for a mile.
Simple Coil
This is the simplest of coils to secure rope with. See how to tie a simple coil below.
Self-Stopped Coil
As the name suggests, this is a coil knot that’s designed to stop itself as the rope coil descends, just from the weight of gravity against it.
Coil Braided Rope
When you want to coil rope that’s braided, coil the rope into figure-eight loops. Doing this will form a balance on both sides of the hand twists of the ropes strands.
Coiling Three Strand Rope
When coiling three stranded rope, it’s best to coil them into loops in a clockwise direction to prevent tangling issues.
Coiled Sail Halyard
Here is a coiled sail halyard that is another type of coil you can use.
See how to tie the knot.
Ground Line Hitch
This coil is used as another method of organizing and securing a bundle of rope loops for storage or carrying.
Further Reading on Coils Knots:
Braids and Sennits
Braids and Sennits are similar enough to be covered under the same category of knots. Braids are used when you want to interviewee strands of cord to form a braid that is strong and sennit knots are just more complicated weaves of braids.
They are good for gifts and presents mostly. These knots are also decorative and fun. Even though they are strong formations, they aren’t very practical to be used for something.
Three Strand Flat Braid
There are multiple variations of the flat braid you can choose from. This is the easier of the group.
See full instructions on how to tie the 3 strands flat knot here.
Four Strand Flat Braid
After you tie a 3-strand, you can move up to tying a 4-strand.
See full instructions on how to tie a 4 strand flat braid or watch the tutorial below.
Four Strand Round Sennit
Also called the 4 strand round braid, the 4 strand is the simplest of the round braids. Here’s how to tie a four strand round sennit.
Six Strand Round Sennit
See full instructions on how to tie a 6 strand round sennit.
Eight Strand Square Sennit
This is one of the most decorative rope displays you can make.
Easy to make mistakes while tying due to stopping the process and not picking up with the strand you left off with prior.
See how to tie an 8 strand square sennit knot below.
Eight Strand Round
You can make an eight strand round knot after practicing the 4 and 6 strand tutorials.
Ocean Plat Mat
The Ocean Plait Mat is a member of a large family of symmetrical mats made by weaving the ends. Each mat starts with an Overhand Knot and can be lengthened merely be using longer loops and crossing them over each other again. See full article and instructions on how to tie this Knot here.
Chain Sennit
The video below shows you how to tie a chain sennit knot.
Round Crown Sennit
The crown knot variations are popular to tie with paracord for wrapping objects like knife handles. It’s used primarily to convert multiple lengths of line into one solid braid that’s also very decorative and robust.
See the step by step tutorial on how to tie the round crown sennit knot below.
Square Crown Sennit
When you go to learn how to make a paracord bracelet, you’ll discover that the square crown sennit is one of the most common braids to use for the bracelet.
When tying, make sure to tighten each crown knot before moving on to the next one.
Innomi
Okay, this one isn’t exactly a knot that you would tie when SHTF. It’s more of a “term”.
Meaning “unnamed”. Just FYI.
Further Reading on Braids and Sennit Knots:
Binding
Binding knots are used for when you need to “bind” two or more objects together. Such as when organizing coils for storage.
Binding knots are used when you want to bind more than one objects together. Usually those other objects are other ropes. These are the knots that are used for storing rope coils.
These are also what you use to tie rope around a gift to not only look good, but to secure the knot.
Clove Hitch
Can you tie a knot when you don’t have both ends available? What do you do when you only have one end of the rope to work with?
The clove hitch knot is your savior. This is used when you don’t have an opening end on your anchor.
What It’s Good For
- Binding Knots
- Easy to tie and untie
How To Tie
There are a couple different ways to tie Here’s how to tie the clove hitch knot.
Method 1:
- wrap your working end around your anchor point
- cross over your line and around your anchor again
- slip the working end underneath your last wrap
- pull and pull tightly
Method 2:
The second method is to tie is a little more tightly than the first option.
Being able to tie this knot will help you when you’re fishing as it is one of the best fishing knots to know how to tie.
Since you read this post, you may be interested in learning how to tie some more knots. Here a few different knots that you’ll likely want to know how to tie as well.
Exploding Clove Hitch
This variation of the clove is useful for camping and bushcraft environments.
You’ll want to know how to tie the exploding clove hitch knot .
Slipped Clove Hitch
You can watch how to tie a slipped clove hitch.
Constrictor
The constrictor is one of the most useful knots.
This video will show you exactly how to tie a constrictor knot.
Constrictor with a Loop
A variation of the constrictor—tying it with a loop.
See full instructions on how to tie this Knot here.
Double Constrictor
When a single just isn’t good enough, there’s the double. See full instructions on how to tie a double constrictor knot.
Square
Also known as the reef knot, the square knot used for when you need to secure rope around an object. Fisherman will use this knot to tie around the bundle of sail.
Hands down one of the best fisherman and boating knots, the Reef Knot. When you want to reef your sails, the reef knot has no parallel.
It can also be used as a bend knot. However, there are better choices for bends.
Watch the video below on how to tie a Square knot.
Slipped Square
This knot can easily be untied by tugging on the short end of the bight.
Slipped Square Doubled
You tie your shoelaces with a slipped square knot doubled.
When learning about knots, it’s only a matter of time to wonder what the name of the knot you use to tie your shoes with is called, this is it.
Granny
The granny knot is a square knot, only formed incorrectly to make a less secure knot that’s more prone to slipping or jamming.
Thief
Also looks similar to the square knot, and like the other square knot lookalikes, the thief is less secure.
Basic Net
The number of uses a basic net has is too long to list here. For fishing alone, there are dozens. See how to tie a basic net.
Hitches
When you need to secure your cordage to an object like a pole for when you’re setting up a tent—a hitch knot is what you’ll use. Hitches secure the rope to other objects.
They are designed to be fast to tie and also quick to un-tie. These are some of the best sailing and fishing knots.
Cleat Hitch
This hitch is used by boatman and it’s one of the most important knots they tie every time they go boating. Here’s how to tie a cleat hitch knot.
Exploding Mooring Hitch
Watch below on how to tie the exploding mooring hitch knot.
Camel Hitch
Watch the video below to see how to tie a camel hitch knot.
Slingstone Hitch
See full instructions on how to tie the slingstone knot.
Rolling Hitch
The rolling hitch is a similar to a clove hitch, but with an upgrade. It has an additional turn that enables the prevention of line slipping on a smooth surface.
Watch the video below to see how to tie a rolling hitch knot.
Mirrored Rolling Hitch
This variation, called the mirrored rolling hitch is useful for
Trucker’s Hitch
Watch the video below to see how to tie a truckers hitch knot.
Half Hitch
There is a complete guide on how to tie a half-hitch knot that also covers it’s uses and what it’s good for.
Two-Half Hitches
Using the two-half hitches good for when you need to secure a line around a pole-like object.
This knot is commonly used when setting up a camping tent and also by fisherman to secure a line from their boat to the dock. It can be used to secure tarps when building a DIY survival shelter.
Need to secure a line to a pole? In this post, we cover how to tie a two half hitches knot. Have you ever needed to know how to tie a two half hitches knot to secure a tarp? Well, this is the knot to do it. Here’s how you tie it.
Uses
This kind of knot is good for a few different uses. When you need to secure a line around a pole-like object, this is the knot to use.
This knot is commonly used when setting up a camping tent and also by fisherman to secure a line from their boat to the dock. It can be used to secure tarps when building a DIY survival shelter.
Using two hitches to tie the rope with is also good for tying up guy lines. And hanging up hammocks.
And it’s also a simple process to tie it.
- Make the first half hitch by wrapping the free end around the standing end.
- Wrap the line around the line in the same direction you went for the first hitch to make the second hitch.
- Now just pull it tightly and you’ll have a secure two half hitches.
Watch the video below to see how to tie a two-half hitch knot.
Buntline Hitch
Use this hitch when you want to attach rope to a pole or similar object. What makes this knot one of the best is that it won’t come undone. Even when stressed with enormous pressure.
Watch the video below to see how to tie a buntline hitch knot.
Strangle
The strangle knot is used for binding other pieces of rope together. For example, tying a strangle knot to bind multiple layers of rope strands together to keep them organized for storing or carrying.
This binding knot is also used to to compress an opening in hopes to seal the hole. For example, a water hose is seizing and needs to be shut, a strangle knot could be used to “strangle” the pipe shut.
Here’s a video below to see how to tie a strangle knot.
Ground Line Hitch
Watch the video below to see how to tie a ground line hitch knot.
Ossel Hitch
Watch the video below to see how to tie a ossel hitch knot.
Marlinspike Hitch
Watch the video below to see how to tie a marlinspike hitch knot.
Transom Hitch
Watch the video below on how to tie a transom hitch knot.
Draw Hitch
Watch the video below on how to tie a draw hitch knot.
Picket Line Hitch
Watch the video below on how to tie a picket line hitch knot.
Knute Hitch
The knute hitch is one of the best knots that climbers use. It’s also perfect for making a paracord lanyard with. The hitch is used for tying a lanyard to the holes that many knife brands have in their handles as well as many other kinds of hand tools.
Watch the video below on how to tie the knute hitch knot.
Studding-Sail Halyard Bend
Watch the video below on how to tie a studding halyard bend knot.
Gaff Sail Halyard Bend
Watch the video below on how to tie a Gaff sail Halyard bend knot.
Horse Dealers Hitch
Watch the video below on how to tie a horse dealers hitch knot.
Fisherman’s Bend
The Fisherman’s Bend is a variant of the round turn and two half-hitches knot. Use the more secure Fisherman’s Bend when working in slippery line.
Also known as the Anchor bend, the fisherman’s bend is easy to un tie. It’s perfect for tying rope to your boats anchor.
Watch the video below on how to tie a fisherman’s bend knot.
Cow Hitch
Also known as Lark’s Head, the cow hitch is used for when you want to tie rope around a pole or similar object. It’s the weakest of all hitches by itself. To make it stronger and durable, tie with a fixed loop.
Watch the video below on how to tie the cow hitch knot.
Pedigree Cow Hitch
You can make the cow hitch stronger by tying it further creating a pedigree. To do this, take the other part of the rope and tuck it between the bight and ring. Just make sure the tail is long enough so that it doesn’t pull out if force is applied.
Watch the video below on how to tie the pedigree cow hitch knot.
Sheepshank
The sheepshank is used to shorten rope without cutting it. This relieves strain on worn-out parts of the rope.
Sheepshank Man O’ War
The Man O’ War version of the sheepshank is a more secure knot overall.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Sheepshank Man O’ War knot.
Timber Hitch
Also known as the Killick hitch knot. We have a full post on how to tie a timber hitch knot with instructions and even timber hitch knot uses.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Killick hitch knot.
Queen Clara Hitch
Watch the video below on how to tie the Queen Clara hitch knot.
Bubble
Watch the video below on how to tie the Bubble knot.
Highwayman’s Hitch
Watch the video below on how to tie the Highwayman’s hitch knot.
Wagoners
Watch the video below on how to tie the Wagoners knot.
Clinch
Stop losing your fish. This is an effective knot for fishermen. See the instructions for the clinch knot below.
Improved Clinched
A modified version of the knot above, the improved clinch.
Palomar
Watch the video below on how to tie a Palomar knot.
Diagonal Lashing
Watch the video below on how to tie a diagonal lashing knot.
Sheer Lashing
Watch the video below on how to tie a sheer lashing knot.
Icicle Hitch
The icicle hitch is useful for additional grip support when working with slippery surfaces.
Watch the video below on how to tie the icicle hitch knot.
Prusik
Named after an Austrian mountaineer Dr. Carl Prusik in 1931, the prusik knot is useful for climbers.
When you want to attach a climbing sling to another rope, usually the main rope you’re working with, this is what you can use.
Watch the video below on how to tie a prusik knot.
Bachmann
This is the opposite of the Italian Hitch. The bachmann knot is used by climberss to ascend a fixed rope, rather than descend.
Watch the video below on how to tie a bachmann knot.
Klemheist
Watch the video below on how to tie klemheist knot.
Italian Hitch
If you have ever watched climbers climbing a mountain cliff like Alex Honnold, you have probably seen the Italian hitch knot in action, unless they were free solo’ing.
Climbers use this knot for when they need descent down a mountain, the italian hitch allows them to control the descent in a smooth, controlled, and safe manner.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Italian hitch knot.
Reversed Italian Hitch
Watch the video below on how to tie the Reversed Italian knot.
Further Reader on Hitches:
Tackle and Bend Knots
Bends are used when you want to connect two pieces of rope together. Most bend knots are designed to tie two pieces of rope together.
Tackle and bends are used by
They are especially effective at
Overhand Bend
Watch the video below on how to tie the Overhand Bend knot.
Lapp
Watch the video below on how to tie the Lapp knot.
Riggers Bend
Watch the video below on how to tie the Riggers Bend knot.
Surgeons
This knot is used by surgeons to tie sutures.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Surgeons knot.
Zeppelin Bend
The zeppelin bend is used when you want to join two pieces of rope together. If you use other bend knots for this purpose, like the reef knot, learn how to tie this knot instead.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Zeppelin knot.
Barrel
Learn how to tie one of the best climbing knots, the barrel knot.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Barrel knot.
Sheet Bend
When you have two pieces of rope of equal thickness measurements—the sheet bend knot is used to join them together.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Sheet bend knot.
Double Sheet Bend
Exactly like the normal sheet bend. A double is used when the two pieces of rope are of unequal thickness. Knowing how to tie this knot will prove useful.
Tucked Sheet Bend
The tucked sheet bend is useful for when you want to join thin pieces of ropes and lines.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Tucked Sheet Bend knot.
Carrick Bend
When you need to join together two thick pieces of rope, knowing how to tie a carrick bend knot will be needed.
Watch the video below on how to tie it.
Hunters Bend
One of the most popular bend knots and also known as the riggers bend, named after Dr. Edward Hunter.
This is used for when you want to join together two lengths of synthetic rope.
Watch the video below on how to tie the Hunters Bend knot.
Simple Simon Under
This is a Rock climbing knot that’s essential for survival.
Fisherman’s
The fisherman’s knot is used for when you need to join together two thin ropes lines which happens frequently when fishing or climbing.
Watch a tutorial on how to tie it.
Double Fisherman’s
When you’re working with lines that are more slippery than you’d like, a double fisherman will be needed.
See how to tie it here.
Blood
Need to join thin lines together, like fishing lines? Use a blood knot.
See the full video on how to tie a blood knot.
Water Knot
Also known as a double overhand bend knot, the water knot is used for binding two ropes together.
You can use the water knot to make a DIY emergency harness.
How To Tie:
Step 1) Start out with making an overhand knot in one end.
Step 2)
Step 3) Using your full weight, set the knot in the harness.
If you want a visual tutorial, watch the video below.
Further Reader on Bends:
Loops
Loop knots are useful primarily for securing rope around an object. Think of a cowboys rope loop.
Hangman’s Noose
There are different variations of the noose used for different functions. They include the hangman’s noose, a simple noose, a gallows noose, and more.
We have the full step by step instructions in a separate post and you can see exactly how to tie a hangman’s noose knot.
Simple Noose
The simple noose is made up of a simple sliding loop that you can tighten by pulling the end. It’s most useful for starting to tie any kind of simple lashing knot.
Take the standing part of the line.
Then work away from the nearest end.
it’s a similar tying process to what would otherwise be an overhand knot with a draw-loop. You tie an overhand knot, and then you make a tuck with a bight at the end. That’s how you tie a simple noose knot.
Gallows Noose
This is the noose you’ve seen in movies that most people think of when they hear the word, “noose”.
Here’s a full video tutorial on how to tie a gallows noose.
Alpine Butterfly Loop
Similar to the man harness hitch, the alpine butterfly loop knot is good for mountaineering.
This knot can be used to hang gear and equipment. Visual a climber on a 90 degree angle mountain wall hanging his gear while resting.
Knowing how to tie the butterfly loop knot is one of the best knots for climbers and mountaineers. You can also tie this knot to hang gear from a tree while camping.
Bowline
The bowline knot is one of the most popular and useful knots that exist. It’s used across multiple professions and activities from fishing, to boating, to mountaineering, and backpacking.
Double Bowline
Another method for tying a bowline is to tie a double bowline knot.
Overhand Loop
The overhand loop is created from an overhand knot. It’s an easy method for making a loop that’s fixed. Once it’s tied, it’s difficult to untie.
Also known as the Thumb knot. The Overhand is the most simple of knots.
One of the first knots you should learn is how to tie an Overhand knot.
Slipped Overhand
As with many of the most useful knots, there are different versions and variations. The overhand knot is no different. Here is how to tie the slipped overhand knot.
Double Overhand Loop
Like the single overhand, the double is made in the same way as the double overhand knot, except with double the length of rope.
Double Overhand Sliding Loop
The double overhand knot is bulkier than the base overhand and can be made larger and thicker by adding additional turns.
Bowline on a Bight
This is a double loop knot that works well under pressure. It’s strong and secure. You can even use the two loops for entirely different functions at one time.
Once it’s tied, it’s quick and easy to untie and tie back again. You can also tie the loops anywhere in the middle portions of the rope, not just the ends. Here’s how to tie a bowline on a bight.
Portuguese Bowline
When you need to tie 2 loops in a hurry that can be adjusted in size, knowing how to tie a Portuguese bowline will be the knot for you.
Spanish Bowline
There is also a Spanish bowline variation. This version of the bowline forms two adjustable loops that lock into their positions making them more secure.
Anglers Loop
One of the most useful knots for anglers and fisherman, the Anglers Loop knot is good for
See full instructions on how to tie it below.
Englishman’s Loop
This one is a must for anglers, see how to tie the Englishman’s Loop Knot.
Blood Knot Dropper
If you need to rig with two streamers, knowing how to tie a blood knot dropper would do the trick.
Further Reader on Loops:
Stopper Knots
Stoppers are used when you want to prevent the rope from being pulled through an opening. They’re also used to stop a rope from unravelling.
These knots are specifically useful for safety precautions when you want to be sure the rope is secure to be used without coming undone.
Ashley’s Bend Stopper
Named after Clifford W. Ashley, the Ashleys bend knot is used for joining together two thin pieces of cordage.
Figure-Eight
This is one of the knots you’ll want to tie over and over and get good at because it’s not just a knot in and of itself, but forms the base for tying several other knots.
The figure-eight knot is tied to be used to prevent rope from sliding through an opening or hole.
Slipped Figure-Eight
This stopper knot is quick and easy to untie. When you tie this one, make sure to tie it tighter than you normally would.
Watch the full instructions on how to tie a slipped figure-eight.
Figure-Eight Follow Through
See full instructions on how to tie a Figure 8 Follow Through Knot.
Threaded Figure-Eight
Another variation of the figure 8 is called a Threaded Figure Eight.
Here is a well made video on how to tie a threaded figure eight knot and it’s variations.
Sink Stopper
When you want to prevent the rope from slipping through a larger hole, use the sink stopper. Very difficult to un tie once tied.
Watch the video on how to tie the sink stopper knot.
Stevedore
What is a Stevedore?
A Stevedore is a dock worker. Someone who works as at a dock to load and unload cargo from ships coming back or leaving the dock.
The Stevedore knot works well for preventing line from slipping. It’s used primarily by dockworkers and of course, Stevedores.
See how to tie the Stevedore knot below.
Monkeys Fist
The Monkey Fist is primarily used for decoration and for fun accessories like key rings. It can also be made into a self-defense weapon if done right and learned how to use it.
Visit the full step-by-step instructions on how to tie the Monkey Fist Knot.
Crown
Want to tie a fancy crown knot? This is the one of the most decorative knots there is. Learning how to tie this Crown Knot. will take you a little longer to be able to tie well, but it’s worth it if you’re interested in these types of knots.
Diamond
Also known as a lanyard knot, a diamond knot is tied in the strands of the rope. When it’s tied correctly, it makes a secure and solid stopper knot. The lanyard knot is a decorative method for joining rope.
Learn how to tie a Diamond knot.
Wall
The wall knot is usually used when combined with a crown knot. They are used to create additional knots that are popular for decoration purposes. Learning how to tie a wall knot can be more challenging than other knots.
Marlinspike Hitch
This hitch is quick and easy to tie. It’s useful for pulling on thin strands of rope.
However, it can only be pulled in one direction so be aware of that if before you go to tie it. Watch full instructions on how to tie a marlinspike hitch below.
Dyneema Loop
This loop works well for making a small simple loop to be used as a keychain or something similar. It’s easy to learn how to tie.
Spliced and Whippings
A splice knot is used when you need to permanently finish a rope using its own strands. Then a whipping is used at the end to bind it making it “permanent”. Nearly impossible for the knot to come undone afterward.
Eye Splice
The eye splice is used to form a permanent loop at end of a multi-stranded rope. This tutorial below shows you how it’s done with a double braid rope made of polyester.
Short Splice
A short splice can be used to when you want to permanently join together. In order for it to be effective, the two ropes have to be of equal thickness. You’ll see what I’m referring to in the video tutorial.
There is also a Long Splice as well, here’s how to tie it.
Common Whipping
This is a common whipping and also the most simplest of all whippings. However, it down pull it’s fair share of weight. This whipping will prevent the ends of a rope from fraying.
Here are instructions on how to tie a common whipping knot.
French Whipping
This whipping serves three-fold. It’s nice to look at, so it’s used for decorative purposes. Secondly, it works well at preventing rope from unraveling. It’s also used to tie over handles on either tools or weapons like knives. It adds much more grip to the handle.
See full instructions on how to tie a french whipping knot.
Sailmakers Whipping
Good news and bad news. The bad news is that this knot can only be used at the end of the rope. The good news is that it’s also the most secure knot you can tie at the end of the rope.
See full instructions on how to tie a sailmakers whipping knot below in the tutorial.
Palm and Needle Whipping
This whipping is useful for joining together different strands of rope. It’s also perfect for securing a braided rope.
Here’s how to tie a Palm and Needle Whipping Knot.
Seizing A Rope
Seizing rope is more of a technique rather than a specific knot. One that is worth your while in learning.
See full instructions on seizing an eye in a rope.
Symbolic Knots
These are the knots that are used to symbolize a unique message from the person making the knot. Here are a couple of the most popular ones.
Lovers Knot
This knot is designed for two separate strands of cord to both tie a knot that join together, like a happy couple.
Here’s how to tie the true lovers knot.
Additional Resources
If you want more information and guides on knots, visit the paracord and knots section of the survival library. The best books on tying knots are there.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of different knots in this guide. Pick the ones that would best help you with your activities. If your a prepper, climber, fisherman, or a camper. Start with those knots. Or if you’re all of the above, start with the ones that are the most useful.
Did we leave any Knots out? Let us know and we’ll add it.
