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Step 1
Make a loop in the end of your line so that you have a short length of rope to work with. You want just enough extra length to tie the knot. (You can practice this on any piece of string until you get the hang of it.)
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Step 2
Take the end of your short length and loop it over the longer piece so that it passes INSIDE the loop. This is important, because if it doesn't pass inside, the knot won't work. (You'll have a knot, but it won't be the taut-line hitch.)
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Step 3
Repeat step 2, until you have two tight coils on the inside of your bigger loop. This will form the main base of your knot and provides the gripping part of the taut-line hitch.
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Step 4
Then, take the end and pass it around the outside of those two coils, looping it over your longer piece of rope, above where you first started tying the knot. Again, loop it to the inside, in the same direction as you did the first loop around.
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Step 5
Pull on the loose end to tighten the knot. It should firm up the coils, and still slide easily on the rope.








