How to Tie a Cross-Prusik Knot

A cross-Prusik knot is a variation on the standard Prusik knot. Use it to attach a belay line to an anchor line. It is a simple but secure hitch, first used by climbers, but now becoming popular with sailors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Tie two ends of a rope together with a secure knot. This will commonly be a triple fisherman's knot or some other secure knot with a low profile that will allow it to slide easily over a rough surface.

2. Assume the anchoring rope is slanted at a 45-degree angle to the left. Form a bight with the end of the loop opposite the knot and place it behind the anchor rope. Pull the bight over the anchor rope and allow it to hang freely.

3. Take the end of the line with the knot and place it over both the bight formed in Step 1 and the anchor line. Wrap it around the anchor line and pull it back around to the front.

4. Wrap it neatly over the bight formed in Step 1 and the anchor line once again. Make sure this pair of ropes is below the first pair and that no lines in the wraps cross or overlap.

5. Slip the end of the loop with the knot through the bight formed in Step 1 from the back and pull it tight. Note that the cross-Prusik only allows travel up the anchoring rope.

Resources

• Learn more about knot tying at Realknots.