6 Essential Knots

Kirk Jones

Carthage R-9

Knot-Tying Terminology

Bend– A bend is a knot used to join two lengths of rope.

Bight -Abightis formed by doubling back a length of the rope against itself to form a U.

Dressing– Knot dressing is the process of arranging a knot in such a way as to improve its performance. Crossing or uncrossing the rope in a specific way, depending on the knot, can increase the knot’s strength as well as reduce itsjammingpotential.

Hitch– A hitch is a knot that attaches a rope to some object, often a ring, rail, spar, or post.

Overhand Loop- Anoverhand loopis formed when a loop is made so that the running end of the rope is on top of the standing part. It can be formed anywhere along the standing part of the rope in the same fashion.

Standing End– The standing end (or standing part) of a rope is the part not active in knot tying.It is the part opposite of theworking end.

Underhand Loop -Andunderhand loopis formed when the running end of the rope is placed under the standing part of the rope.

Working End– The working end (working part or running end) of a rope is the part active in knot tying.It is the part opposite of thestanding end. (Working End is another name for Running End.)

Rope Corral – Long Rope tied to each post. This rope is best organized in a “U” shape for teaching.

6 Essential Knots

-Intro to Knot Tying-

  1. Equipment:
  2. 4 self-standing posts
  3. 40 knot-tying ropes
  4. 1 corral rope
  5. 4 – 25lb weights
  6. Handouts
  7. Terminology Sheet
  8. 6 Essential Knots with pictures
  9. Posters showing essential knots
  1. State Standards:
  2. Demonstrate an increased level of competence in a variety of outdoor pursuits and/or recreational activities (NPE 1, HPE 4).
  1. Class set-up:
  2. Corral rope tied to 4 self-standing posts in a “U” shape. Student ropes rest on each of the posts. 25 pound weights on the outside of each post for strength.
  1. Anticipatory Set:
  2. Knots are used for a variety of functions (setting up tents, rigging sailing ships, sport climbing, rescue, etc)
  3. Today, we will learn how to tie 6 essential knots, basic knot terms, how to dress knots,and how to inspect knots
  4. Put your name in for the raffle.
  1. Terminology:
  2. Explain and demonstrate.
  1. Commands:
  2. “Show Pigtails” – show the ends of your rope
  3. “Clear your Rope” – untie all knots on your rope
  4. “Dress your Knot” – fix the knot

6 Essential Knots

Demonstrate each knot. Explain why each knot would be used.

  1. Square Knot– used for tying two ropes of equal diameter together.
  2. Sheet Bend –used for tying two ropes of different diameter together. This is used most often in net-making.
  3. Clove Hitch – great for securing a rope to a tree, post or another rounded object.
  4. Two Half Hitches – used for securing a rope to a fixed object (e.g. tree or stake)
  5. BowlineKnot(“King of Knots”) – a non-slip loop on the end of a rope. Also known as a lifesaving knot.
  6. Taut-line Hitch – an adjustable knot. This knot is useful when pitching a tent.
  1. Welcome attendees
  1. Anticipatory Set:

a.Knots are used for a variety of functions (setting up tents, rigging sailing ships, sport climbing, rescue, etc)

b.Today, we will learn how to tie 6 essential knots, basic knot terms, how to dress knots, and how to inspect knots

c.Put your name in for the raffle.

  1. Equipment / Class Set-up
  2. Terminology
  3. Commands
  4. “Show Pigtails” – show the ends of your rope
  5. “Clear your Rope” – untie all knots on your rope
  6. “Dress your Knot” – fix the knot
  7. Six Essential Knots – demonstrate and explain each
  8. Square Knot – used for tying two ropes of equal diameter together.
  9. Left over right > Right over left
  10. Students join ropes around room to complete a connection around room.
  11. Sheet Bend – used for tying two ropes of different diameter together. This is used most often in net-making.
  12. Clove Hitch – great for securing a rope to a tree, post or another rounded object.
  13. Partners tie to partner’s arm
  14. Two Half Hitches – used for securing a rope to a fixed object (e.g. tree or stake)
  15. Bowline Knot (“King of Knots”) – a non-slip loop on the end of a rope. Also known as a lifesaving knot.
  16. Taut-line Hitch – an adjustable knot. This knot is useful when pitching a tent.

Other Useful Knots

Hitching Tie

Coiling a Rope

Alpine Butterfly Loop

Drawing for Ropes!!!