How to Tie a Clinging Clara Knot

A clinging Clara is a type of hitch knot. It comes in handy when you need to tie a small line to a larger line of rope. A clinging Clara knot is used to secure large boats to a dock, or when you need a secure connection to a rope that's already in place.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Twist the smaller string completely around the rope once. Then, pull it back so both ends of the string end up on the same side: one laying over the rope, one under.

2. Pull the bottom side of the string under the top section, then back over. This should create a loop, with the rope forming one side.

3. Thread the string back through the loop you made to continue your clinging Clara Knot.

4. Pull the center "elbow" section of the string wrapped around the rope out so that it's lose but still in place.

5. Hitch the thread through this "elbow" section, then pull both sides of the string to form the clinging Clara Knot.

Tips & Warnings

• To test if you completed the clinging Clara Knot correctly, try tugging one end to slide the string around on the rope, or even off the rope entirely. If it's hitched right, the string should stay in place no matter how you pull it.
• Practice the clinging Clara knot until you can do it every time before you try using it in any practical situation.