How to Tie an Alternate Ring Hitching

An alternate ring hitching, also known as kackling or keckling, is uniquely identified in Ashley's Book of Knots as knot No. 3604. It is most often used on a ship to cover a ring to prevent the ring from being damaged when it strikes something.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lay out a long enough length of line to cover the entire ring with a series of hitches.

2. Bend the working end of the rope over the ring and bring it back under the ring on the left side of the standing end. Bend the working end over the standing end to the right to complete the left hitch.

3. Push the working end back under the ring and bring it back over the ring. Pull the working end under the loop just created to complete the right hitch.

4. Dress this pair of left and right hitches carefully before proceeding to the next pair.

5. Bring the working end around to the right of the last loop created before repeating Steps 1, 2 and 3 to cover the entire ring. Alternate ring hitching is so-named because it consists of a series of alternating left and right hitches. This is distinguished from continuous hitching which uses the same hitching (either left or right).

6. Cover a ring of appropriate size with alternate ring hitching and tie the ends together to make a necklace.

Tips & Warnings

• Hitching and other knots are commonly used as in crafts.

Resources

• Learn more about tying knots at Real Knots.