How to Tie a Squareknot!

video How to Tie a Squareknot!

One way to tie one of the most useful knots around.

J-Five says: Aug 30, 2009. 7:30 AM

Right over Left Left over Right It's KNOT hard

MrLouque says: Jan 18, 2011. 5:26 PM

"KNOT hard"

*Long sigh*

I see what you did there

lordofbling1 says: Jun 5, 2011. 12:54 AM

lol ^^^

J-Five says: Feb 17, 2011. 1:54 PM

it also works left over right then right over left

J-Five says: Jan 26, 2011. 3:33 PM

i couldn't resist

J-Five says: Feb 9, 2012. 12:51 PM

If tied correctly the two loops should be able to pull the red and blue ropes apart. Otherwise you tied a granny knot.

J-Five says: May 12, 2012. 6:28 AM

it's a mnemonic that i learned years ago.

mikeobtuse says: Aug 28, 2009. 7:12 PM

this is absolutely not one of the most useful knots. it is unreliable and has better alternatives

rickw says: Sep 1, 2009. 1:14 PM

I agree. Not a great knot. A surgeon's knot is more secure and almost as quick to tie. Sheet bend or double sheet bend is better still.

JParry says: Apr 15, 2010. 4:52 AM

Surgeons knots are unbalanced though, you can get similar resuts "stacking" reef knots.

But anyways, not a fan of reef knots, if you want a fast, dirty and strong knot use a double overhand bend.

Partatoes says: Sep 9, 2009. 2:10 PM

if you were going to do one about knots, you should have done the flying figure eight knot or the flying bowline

tw0nst3r says: Sep 1, 2009. 8:54 PM

"Top down Bottom up" -or- cross two lines wrap the top line down & around the bottom one cross ends again wrap the bottom line up and around the top one pull tight Just need these knots: square knot half-hitch bowline clove hitch Peace and knotty times

thepelton says: Aug 31, 2009. 9:50 AM

You know you've done it right if both sides line up. If one side comes out about 10 degrees out of line with the other, you've made a Granny Knot.

mattyuke says: Aug 30, 2009. 1:09 AM

Its a reef knot

Marsh (author) says: Aug 30, 2009. 8:15 AM

It's Also Known As a reef knot. The original Square knot is an interweaving of two "S" shaped pieces of of cord and was generally considered decorative. A common use was a robe closure, back when people wore robes out in public and was tied for the wearer by a footman or hand maiden.

camb00 says: Aug 28, 2009. 12:44 PM

Hold two ends of rope horizontal>>> Left over right and under right over left and under EASY WAY

matrix43547 says: Aug 28, 2009. 6:36 PM

I wouldn't say easier... This way is more straightforward to people who haven't tied one before

Marsh (author) says: Aug 28, 2009. 6:11 PM

You guys wouldn't believe how hard that is to convey while showing it on video. Have a look at the outtakes reel on youtube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LumW4PGtTxs

Kozz says: Aug 28, 2009. 8:44 AM

I can tell Kiteman knows his knots. Indeed, starting with a bight could lead to a thief's knot if you're not paying attention. The way I learned was by tying a pair of overhand knots and reciting to myself "right over left, left over right".

164

Kiteman says: Aug 28, 2009. 5:57 AM

...also known as a reef knot.

You don't need to start with a bight, but you do need to be careful to get both free end on the same side, otherwise it becomes a thief knot, which comes apart unexpectedly.