Square Knot

How to tie the Square Knot. The Reef Knot or Square Knot is quick and easy to tie; it is a good knot for securing non-critical items. Not to be trusted to join two ropes together. This knot was used for centuries by sailors for reefing sails, hence the name Reef Knot, and tying things aboard ship. It is important that this knot should not be used as a bend (for tying two ropes together). It is unsafe and can come apart. Be sure to form the square knot and avoid tying a granny knot, by making sure that both parts of the rope, the standing line and the free end, exit the knot together.

The Square Knot is one of 23 essential rope knots included on the waterproof Pro-Knot Outdoor Knot Cards - click to see.

Scroll to see Animated Square Knot below the illustration and tying instructions.

 

Square Knot | Reef Knot Tying Instructions

• Tie two over hand knots. First, right over left and twist. Then left over right and twist.


• Make sure both parts of the rope exit the knot together!