6 Types Of Knots Every Dad, Kid, & Sailor Should Know By 2023

Last updated on January 3nd, 2023 by Josh Koerpel

Sure, most of us can tie an overhand knot.

Maybe even a square knot.

But there’s more. So, so much more.

Knot tying has been around since the beginning of human history. It’s an ancient art that has been passed down over generations. And for good reason – knowing the basic types of knots and how to tie them can be lifesaving.

Knots are an essential skill for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, boating, camping, or simply wants to be prepared for any and all situations. And trust me, tying a bunch of overhand knots just isn’t going to cut it.

In this article, I will discuss 6 essential types of knots that are used in common situations. In addition, I’ll also provide step-by-step instructions on how to tie each…complete with illustrations.

So whether you’re a dad, a sailor, a prepper looking to be ready for anything or just want to learn some new skills, read on my friend!

What Are The 6 Types Of Knots Everyone Should Know By 2023?

“Hey, I can tie rope!”. <– This can soon be you.

In today’s age, with all the smartphones, laptops, VR headsets, and email, it’s easy to forget about the importance of basic survival skills. Yet when disaster strikes and all the gadgets and gizmos stop working, it’s those basic survival skills that could mean the difference between life and death.

That’s why it’s so important for everyone to know a few types of knots and how to tie them.

And to make it even easier, I have created animated flashcards of the 6 basic knots that will solve literally 99% of your problems.

Keep them on your phone when you don’t have wi-fi access, learn on the go, or use them as a quick reference!

https://media.joshkoerpel.com/knot-flashcards

The 6 Essential Types Of Knots In 2023

1. The Square Knot (or Reef Knot)

The square knot is usually one of the first knots everyone learns, aside from the overhand knot.
The square knot is a great knot when you’re tying two equal-sized pieces of line together.

The square knot is a versatile knot that can be used for a variety of very interesting purposes. Of all the types of knots, it is ideal for tying two ropes together or creating a loop of line to be used as a strap.

You may sometimes hear the term “reef knot.” Square knots are also known as “the reef knot,” and it’s one of the most commonly used types of knots in boating and sailing.

How To Tie The Square Knot (or Reef Knot)

The square knot follows a similar pattern to an overhand knot, in one direction, and then the other. Of all the types of knots, it's great for tying two equal diamater lines together.
Of all the basic knots, the square knot is useful for tying two ropes together, and is a simple knot to untie as well as tie.

What You Should Know About The Square Knot

Even though the square knot is one of the most basic types of knots, and some argue one of the best, it can also be dangerous if it’s not used correctly.

This knot should only be used if the pieces of rope you are tying will always be tight. Cycles of loosening and tightening can cause the square knot to come undone. Which is why this knot is rarely used in fishing line, or any other purpose where you won’t always have a taut line.

Also, and this is important, the two pieces of rope need to be the same diameter. If this knot is tied in two ropes of unequal diameter, the thinner rope can slip out of position from the thicker rope and the knot can break apart.

Common uses for the Square Knot

Camping:

  • Hanging a bear bag from a tree
  • Attaching a tarp to trees or poles, or creating a makeshift shelter

Boating:

  • Tying reefl’ns together around a reefed sail
  • Extending a halyard or sheet

Everyday life:

  • Hanging items like windchimes
  • Tying things to your car or truck
In 5 minutes, are you going to forget how to tie a Square Knot? I got you.

You’re not alone. Get an animated flashcard of how to tie the square knot here.

Download once. Save to your phone. Practice anywhere, no wi-fi required.

2. The Sheet Bend

The sheet bend is great for tying two ropes together that are unequal diameters.
The Sheet Bend is a fantastic way of attaching a rope to another, unequal piece of rope.

The sheet bend knot is used to join two ropes together of different sizes.

Over the centuries, the sheet bend has been used by a variety of people in many different parts of the world. It has been used by sailors to secure lines and sails on ships, by climbers to secure ropes and harnesses, and by scouts and other outdoor enthusiasts for a variety of purposes.

However, in more recent times, it has also been used in rescue work and other situations where a strong and reliable knot is needed.

How To Tie The Sheet Bend

The sheet bend combines thicker rope and thinner rope into one knot.
The Sheet Bend is one of many knots that can be used to tie one rope to another, especially if those two ropes are of unequal diameter.

What You Need To Know About The Sheet Bend

The sheet bend is also known as the weaver’s knot or the weaver’s hitch.

Here are a few interesting facts about this versatile knot:

  • It is easy to tie and untie, making it a convenient choice for situations where the ropes may need to be separated or adjusted.
  • The sheet bend is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt, where it was used by weavers to join threads together.
  • There are a few variations of the sheet bend, including the double sheet bend, which is used to tie two ropes of the same size together, and the fisherman’s knot, which is used to tie two ropes of the same size together in a more secure manner.

As with all knots, if you are unsure about how to tie the sheet bend correctly, or if you have any doubts about its suitability for a particular application, it is always a good idea to seek guidance from a qualified instructor or expert.

Common uses for the Sheet Bend

Camping:

  • Tying two different-sized ropes together
  • Securing tents down to the ground via a fixed loop
  • Hanging a hammock or setting up a clothesline.

Boating:

  • Extending anchor line
  • Sending an item aloft

Everyday life:

  • Any situation where you have 2 different sizes of ropes

In 5 minutes, are you going to forget how to tie a Sheet Bend? Yup, I understand.

You’re not alone. Get an animated flashcard of how to tie the Sheet Bend here.

Download once. Save to your phone. Practice anywhere, no wi-fi required.

3. The Bowline Knot

The “king of all knots” the bowline
Of all the other knots in existence, the Bowline is named “The King of Knots” due to its ability to be tied and untied easily.

The bowline knot is one of the most versatile knots in existence.

It can be used to tie a rope around a post, to create a loop in a rope, or to create a ‘lasso’ loop that will slip down onto the object to which it’s tied.

It is also very easy to tie, which makes it one of the popular types of knots for beginners.

How To Tie The Bowline

The bowline is one of those types of knots that seem complicated, but only at the beginning.
The Bowline is one of those knots that seem complicated, but only at the very beginning.

What You Need To Know About The Bowline

The origin of the bowline knot is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been used by sailors as far back as the age of exploration. While nobody knows for sure, it is likely that the knot was developed out of a need to create a loop at the end of a rope that was both strong and easy to tie/untie.

Today, one of the most common uses for the bowline knot is as a rescue knot. If you’re stranded in the wilderness, caught on a cliff, and need to be rescued, the bowline knot can be used to create a makeshift harness or to secure someone else to a rope.

It is also an essential knot for sailing and boating, used to tie two ropes together, or to form a loop in a rope that can be used for thousands of situations.

Here are a few interesting facts about the bowline knot:

  • The bowline knot is sometimes referred to as the “king of knots” due to its versatility and strength.
  • It is easy to tie and untie, even after being subjected to heavy loads.
  • The bowline knot is often used as a rescue knot.
  • To tie correctly, the tail end needs to be on the inside of the loop.
  • It can come undone with repeated tightening and loosening, but it’s rare.

Common uses for the Bowline

Some common everyday applications of the bowline knot include securing loads on a truck or trailer, attaching a rope to a tree or other anchor point, and securing a boat to a dock.

It is also frequently used in rescue situations to create a loop that can be used to secure a person or animal while they are being transported or rescued.

Camping:

  • As a rescue knot
  • Hanging items from trees or branches

Boating:

  • Creating a fixed loop in a line
  • Attaching sheets to a headsail

Everyday life:

  • Hanging items from hooks
  • Creating a loop in the end of a rope
Will you forget how to tie a Bowline in a few minutes? Hey, you’re only human.

You’re not alone. Get an animated flashcard of how to tie the Bowline here.

Download once. Save to your phone. Practice anywhere, no wi-fi required.

4. The Rolling Hitch (or Trucker’s Hitch)

The rolling hitch is one of the great types of knots to hang something vertically
When you have situations where you need to hang something vertically, the Rolling Hitch is a great choice.

Need to tie a knot that hangs vertically off a pole? Or have a situation where you need to tie the rope back onto itself?

The Rolling Hitch, sometimes known as a trucker’s hitch, is one of the types of knots that can be used to secure a load on a truck or trailer. It can be very helpful because it allows the load to be tightened and adjusted easily, and it is also relatively easy to untie.

The trucker’s hitch has a long history, and it is believed to have originated in the days of horse-drawn wagons and caravans. In those days, it was used to secure loads on the backs of these horses, carts or wagons. The hitch has evolved over time, and it is now used in a variety of applications, including boating, camping, and cargo handling.

How To Tie The Rolling Hitch

The rolling hitch is a variation of a half hitch.  These types of knots act as a friction hitch and binds on itself.
The Rolling Hitch can be tied to support a vertical load from a pole, or tied directly onto existing rope.

What You Need To Know About The Rolling Hitch

A rolling hitch is perfect for applications where the strain is parallel with the thing you are attaching it to. It can also be used to tie a piece of rope back upon itself.

Here are some interesting facts for how the rolling hitch can be used:

  • It is particularly useful for securing a rope to a post or other object, and it can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings.
  • The rolling hitch is also known as the truckers hitch, and it is one of the most commonly used knots in the world. It is particularly useful for tightening and adjusting the load, which can be important for ensuring that it stays in place during transport.

Common uses for the Rolling Hitch

Camping:

  • Tying the line back onto itself
  • Creating a tight support for a shelter or lean-to

Boating:

  • Securing a line to a fixed point
  • Tying down awnings

Everyday life:

  • Hanging drapes, curtains, or bedsheets
  • Securing items down in your car
Will you forget how to tie a Rolling Hitch in a few minutes? I would, too.

You’re not alone. Get an animated flashcard of how to tie the Rolling Hitch here.

Download once. Save to your phone. Practice anywhere, no wi-fi required.

5. The Figure 8 Knot

Very much like an overhand knot, the figure 8 knot is a type of stopper knot.
When it comes to knot tying, everyone should know the figure 8 knot. Commonly used as a secure stopper knot at the end of a line.

As the name suggests, the “figure 8” knot is shaped like an “8”, and is a fairly simple knot used for creating a ‘stopper’ in the end of a line.

How To Tie The Figure 8 Knot

You can use the figure 8 knot on the standing end of a rope or line.  The free end can sometimes slip through and out of a pulley, and the figure 8 knot prevents this.
Tie a Figure 8 knot in the free end of a rope or line to prevent the end from unraveling itself out of a pulley.

What You Need To Know About The Figure 8 Knot

Even though it’s one of the most basic types of knots, when put under an enormous amount of strain from a taut line, the Figure 8 can jam on itself and be a bit more difficult to untie.

This knot is also used extensively in rock climbing and mountain climbing. For instance, tying a ‘double’ figure 8 to attach yourself and your harness to the existing rope.

Common uses for the Figure 8 Knot

Camping:

  • As a stopper knot for a clothesline pulley
  • Preventing rope from pulling through a grommet
  • Rock climbing and mountain climbing for attaching the free end of the belay line to your harness

Boating:

  • Placing at the end of sheets and halyards so they don’t run through blocks

Everyday life:

  • Tying at the end of a rope for easy grip
  • Using anywhere you don’t want the rope to pull through it’s guide
Will you forget how to tie a Figure 8 in a few minutes? I have the answer.

You’re not alone. Get an animated flashcard of how to tie the Figure 8 here.

Download once. Save to your phone. Practice anywhere, no wi-fi required.

6. The Clove Hitch

Use the clove hitch as a replacement for a half hitches knot, or a two half hitches knot.
When the taut line is perpendicular to the object you are tying to, the clove hitch is a good knot to use. It’s also a possible replacement for a two half hitches knot.

The clove hitch is a fast, easy and strong way to attach a rope or line to something stationary, where the strain from the taut line is perpendicular to the object being tied to.

It is also a type of “binding knot” that is used to secure a rope or line to a pole, post, or other object. It possesses a simplicity and effectiveness that has been used for centuries by sailors, climbers, and other people who need to secure lines in a variety of different situations.

How To Tie The Clove Hitch

The clove hitch can be used to create a standing end of a taut line.  It can replace a half hitch or a two half hitches knot when used correctly.
The clove hitch is tied by wrapping the rope around in only one direction, passing the working end both over, and then underneath, itself.

What You Need To Know About The Clove Hitch

While strong, the clove hitch can come untied if pulled on the wrong way. The proper use of a clove hitch is where the pulling force is perpendicular to the thing you’re tying to.

While the origins of the clove hitch knot are also a bit uncertain, as it is a very old knot that has likely been in use for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, it is possible that it is one of the first types of knots used by ancient sailors. The knot may also have been used by indigenous people in various parts of the world for similar applications and purposes.

When multiple clove hitches are tied back to back, it can become one of the decorative knots, as the one rope passes both over top and underneath itself. This rope cross feature produces a pattern that is used in decorative work.

The clove hitch has a number of everyday applications and is used in a variety of different settings.

Common uses for the Clove Hitch

Camping:

  • Attaching lines and ropes to tent stakes
  • Hanging backpacks from tree branches

Boating:

  • Attaching fenders to the rail of your boat
  • Securing a boom midships

Everyday life:

  • Securing a guide line for outdoor lights
  • Anchoring a line to a part of your car for securing an item
Will you forget how to tie a Clove Hitch in a few minutes? That’s understandable.

You’re not alone. Get an animated flashcard of how to tie the Clove Hitch here.

Download once. Save to your phone. Practice anywhere, no wi-fi required.

BONUS KNOT! The Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches

A round turn and two half hitches is one of the other knots you should know.  It can be useful because it can be untied even in a taut line.
When knot tying, its important to remember the simple movements that can be combined into an elegant knot. The round turn and two half hitches is a great example.

There’s a saying that goes “a round turn and two half hitches can hold the world.” It’s a strong knot, easy to tie, and easy to untie.

Of all the different types of knots, this one is a must to learn.

How To Tie The Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches

A single half hitch isn’t sufficient here.  The round turn and two half hitches is a better choice.
It’s easy to tie a round turn and two half hitches. It’s the combination of a few basic movements. That’s the beauty of knot tying!

What You Need To Know About The Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches

You need to make sure the hitches are going the same direction, otherwise the knot doesn’t have the same holding power.

Common uses for the Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches

Camping:

  • Tying the line back onto itself
  • Attaching a hammock to tree trunks

Boating:

  • Tying anything down to deck
  • Attaching a halyard to the head of a sail

Everyday life:

  • Hanging drapes, curtains, or bedsheets
  • Securing items down in your car
Will you forget how to tie the Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches in a few minutes? Say no more.

You’re not alone. Get an animated flashcard of how to tie the Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches here.

Download once. Save to your phone. Practice anywhere, no wi-fi required.

Knot Questions and FAQ’s

How many kinds or types of knots are there?

There are literally thousands of types of knots, each with its own unique name and purpose. Sailors, fishermen, and Boy Scouts have traditionally been the groups who know the most knots. But as knot-tying has become more popular as a hobby, people from all walks of life are learning new ways to use these versatile tools.

Some knots are essential for outdoor activities like camping or boating. Others can be used in everyday situations to secure packages or furniture, or to hang something out in the yard. The possibilities are truly endless!

What is the strongest type of knot?

It’s important to remember that when tying knots in a rope, you are actually weakening the rope. This is because you are putting stress on the rope, which can cause it to break. So, when using a rope for a critical task, always use the strongest knot possible.

One of the strongest knots that exists is the Sheet Bend. It is incredibly strong and can be used for a variety of purposes. The Sheet Bend knot is perfect for tying two lines together, particularly when those two lines are of unequal diameter.

What type of knot tightens as you pull?

The types of knots you should know include the square knot, the bowline knot, the sheet bend, the clove hitch, and the half hitch. Each of these knots tightens as you pull it, making them ideal for different purposes.

How can I tell which knot to use?

One of the most important things to understand when it comes to knots is knowing what types of knots are best for various situations. As there are a number of different types of knots, each one serves a specific purpose. For example, the bowline knot is ideal for tying a rope around someone as an emergency harness while the clove hitch is perfect for securing a line to a tree.

It’s important to understand which types of knots to use in different situations, as each one can serve a different purpose.

Final Thought On The Most Important Types Of Knots…

There’s a great sense of satisfaction that comes with learning and understanding knots. Once you know the knots, you can use them for all sorts of activities, both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re camping, boating, or just using them for everyday tasks, knowing how to tie knots is a valuable skill.

It’s even in mathematics! The study of knots, known as knot theory, is a branch of mathematics that deals with the topological properties of knots.

The development of efficient and reliable knots has played a significant role in the evolution of human civilization, as they have allowed people to secure materials and perform tasks that would otherwise have been impossible.

And the coolest part? With only 6 or 7 knots you can pretty much do anything.


Last updated January 3, 2023 by Josh Koerpel

Josh Koerpel

Josh has spent the last 15 years working from the road as a ship captain, wilderness guide, mechanical engineer, marketing director and software developer.

He currently lives aboard his 32′ sailboat “Albatross” in Key West, Florida.

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