How to Tie Useful Knots

Boaters, hunters and climbers depend on their knowledge of knots to secure their equipment and themselves. There are so many useful knots out there it would be hard to list them all here. However, the Alpine Butterfly, one of the strongest, most secure loop knots, and the Bowline, called the "King of Knots" are easy to tie, and can get you started into the wonderful world of knots.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rope

Alpine Butterfly

1. Wrap your rope loosely around your hand so there are three strands of rope across the palm of your hand.

2. Move the strand closest to your wrist across the other two strands toward your fingertips.

3. Take the new strand closest to your wrist and move it across the other two strands toward your fingertips.

4. Use your thumb to pull the strand closest to your fingertips under the other two strands.

5. Grab the two ends of the rope with your other hand and tighten your knot.

Bowline

6. Make a small loop with your rope by grabbing an end of your rope and crossing it over the main part of the rope.

7. Bring the end of your rope through the small loop you created.

8. Wrap the end of your rope around the main part of the rope and back down through the original small loop.

9. Tighten and set your knot in place.

Tips & Warnings

• It takes practice to successfully tie knots, so don't get discouraged--just keep trying!

Resources

• For more information about knots and their uses, visit the International Guild of Knot Tyers, at igkt.net.