Knots: Before you start

Tying knots is one of those skills that, like riding a bike, you have to learn. Some find it easier than others but very very few are able to do it without some help. Tying a knot that you know will hold what you want it to hold and yet come apart when you need it to is very satisfying.

Clara's amazing knot board, made for her personal challenge

Here are some observations to help you get started with knots

Names

The naming of knots varies between sources. Naval terminology differs from scouting.

Difficulty

The ability to grasp a knot or knotting in general seems to be unrelated to other skills. It can be very frustrating at first to those accustomed to readily assimilate crafts. Be aware before you start to teach or learn to knot and be prepared to persist.

Practice

Once you have mastered the knot it will require frequent practice to make it stick in long-term memory.

Function

When practicing consider of the function of the knot. Check the knot by pulling the ropes on which the strain will be put and in the direction it will come.

Materials

Get to know many different ropes, cords, strings and twine. You will have to work with what is at hand not what you would choose.

See Knots Work page on this site as a first step. Start with the Tenderfoot knots and progess slowly.

A good knot to start with is the friendship knot:

.. and the clove hitch: