The diagrams below are schematic — they show the finished shape and the rope path. The real skill is in the steps: practise each knot until your hands know it without looking, because that's how you'll tie it — in the dark, in the wet, one-handed.
Bowline
- Make a small loop in the standing part — this is “the hole”.
- Pass the working end up THROUGH the hole (the rabbit comes up).
- Take it round behind the standing part (round the tree).
- Bring it back down through the hole (back down the hole).
- Hold the loop and pull the standing part to set it.
When to use it: A secure fixed loop that never slips yet unties after heavy load. It can shake loose when repeatedly unloaded — back it up where life depends on it.
Clove Hitch
- Pass the end over and around the post.
- Cross over the standing part and around the post again.
- Tuck the end under that last diagonal turn.
- Pull both ends tight.
When to use it: Fast and adjustable — ideal for fenders. It can work loose if the load shifts or the post turns, so add a half hitch to lock it when it matters.
Figure-of-Eight
- Make a loop, passing the end over the standing part.
- Bring the end around behind the standing part.
- Pass it down through the original loop.
- Pull tight to form the “8”.
When to use it: The standard stopper: bulky enough to jam in a block but easy to undo. Put one in the end of every sheet.
Round Turn & Two Half Hitches
- Pass the end around the ring/rail TWICE — the round turn.
- Take the end over the standing part and through: a half hitch.
- Make a second half hitch the same way.
- Snug both hitches down against the standing part.
When to use it: The round turn takes the load and friction so you can tie the hitches in control; secure under shock loads and easy to cast off.
Sheet Bend
- Make a bight in the thicker / stiffer rope.
- Pass the thinner rope up through the bight.
- Take it around BEHIND both legs of the bight.
- Tuck it under itself where it came up (not through the bight).
- Pull to set; add a second turn for a double sheet bend.
When to use it: Joins two ropes and holds when they differ in size — unlike the reef knot. Form the bight in the larger rope; double it for slippery lines.
Reef Knot
- Left over right, and under.
- Then right over left, and under.
- Pull both standing parts so the knot lies flat.
When to use it: For binding the two ends of one line round a bundle (reef points, sail ties, first aid). NOT a bend — it can capsize and slip if used to join two ropes under load. Use a sheet bend for that.
Cleat Hitch
- Take a full turn around the base of the cleat.
- Lead figure-of-eight turns over the horns.
- Finish with ONE locking turn (a hitch under itself).
- Don’t add extra locking turns — they jam under load.
When to use it: A turn round the base takes the strain, then figure-of-eights over the horns and a single locking hitch. One lock only, so it frees fast when needed.
Practise on your phone
Drill “which knot when” with the standalone Knots Trainer app, or test your wider seamanship knowledge here.
Open the seamanship quiz →