How to Tie a Draw Knot

A draw knot is a variation of the square knot that can be untied no matter how tightly it is drawn by pulling on one end. The draw knot is not very secure because it is prone to capsizing. Use it primarily in sailing for non-critical purposes such as tying the sail cover to the mainsail.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use the square knot to tie two ropes together of approximately equal diameter. Call the rope on the left rope A and the rope on the right rope B.

2. Place a length of the working end of rope B on top of a length of the working end of rope A. Bring the working end of rope A back over the standing end of rope B and push it back under rope B again.

3. Bring the working end of rope B over the working end of rope A. Push rope B back under rope A and pull it back out from underneath rope A. Note that this produces a square knot, also known as a reef knot.

4. Form a bight with the working end of rope A and push the working end of rope A through the center of the square knot to form a draw knot.

5. Untie the draw knot by pulling on the working end of rope A. This will pull the bight through the center of the knot, causing it to become undone.

Resources

• Learn more about knot tying at Realknots.