How to Make and Use a Lasso

Learning to tie and throw a lariat takes practice

People often confuse "lasso" -- which is technically a verb -- with "lariat"; you lasso things with a lariat. Those who know how to make and throw a lariat make doing so look easy. In reality, both tying the Honda knot that make up the lariat and learning to throw the lariat accurately take a lot of practice. However, with a good amount of persistence and patience, it can be done.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8-inch manila rope

Instructions

Tying a Lariat

1. Form an overhand knot by coiling the end of the rope around in a loop and passing the end through the loop you formed.

2. Tie another, smaller overhand knot in the tag end to serve as a stopper. This will prevent the Honda knot from pulling out when the rope tightens around the object being lassoed.

3. Pass the tag end of the rope underneath the loop formed when making the overhand knot, right between the end of the overhand knot and the place where the tag end exited the overhand knot loop. This forms a second loop, which is called a Honda.

4. Snug up the Honda knot by pulling the Honda away from the main line and snugging up the original overhand knot. Be sure the stopper knot doesn't slip through the overhand knot during this process.

Throwing a Lariat

1. Hold onto the Honda. Shake or pull out enough rope so you have a noose about four or five feet long.

2. Coil up the lariat with your left hand, making coils about 15 to 18 inches long. Make a half-turn in the coils as you transfer each coil to your hand to prevent kinking. Transfer the coils to your right hand.

3. Stand with your legs slightly apart and your left foot forward.

4. Twirl the rope around your head in a counter-clockwise direction.

5. Step forward with your right foot and throw at your target.

Tips & Warnings

• Using manila rope is important; other types are too limp to work correctly.

• These instructions are for a right-handed person.

• Start about 10 feet from your target and work progressively farther away as you become more adept. Throw with the rear of the loop slightly lower than the front of the loop so the lariat may slip around the target.

References

• Cowboy Way: How to ... Tie a Honda Knot in a Lasso or Lariat
• Lay Hands: 11. Honda Knot or Bowstring Knot
• Survival & Self-Reliance: La Riata - The Lariat