How to Tie a Midshipsmans Tautline

The midshipman's tautline hitch is used for securing lines that need to be periodically pulled taut to take out slack. Examples would be to fasten a tent rope to a stake or guy wires to an anchoring object. It is similar to a simple tautline hitch, but it is more secure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   Loop or Bight

   Loop the line around the post or stake. The open loop is called a "bight."

2. 
   Wrap around standing part

   Make one wrap around the standing part of the line. Cross the wrap over on the outside of the loop. Standing part is section of the rope that does not move, but stands still while you tie.

3. 
   Second wrap

   Wrap the working part a second time and pass it through the inside of the loop,

4. 
   Cross second wrap in front of first

   Cross the working part over IN FRONT of the first wrap. The working part is the section that you wrap around the standing part to form the knot. Finish the knot by wrapping the line in one more wrap and make a half-hitch, wrapped in the same direction as the first two wraps. (This is the step that differs from a simple tautline hitch. It creates a friction-lock in the knot.)

5. 
   Finished Midshipman's Tautline Hitch

   Pull the knot snug around the standing part.

6. 
   Adjust to make line taut.

   Adjusting: The line can be adjusted to be more taut by pushing the standing part from the inside of the loop with one hand, and sliding the knot away from the post at the same time with the other hand.

Tips & Warnings

• A midshipman's tautline hitch works best with natural-fiber ropes and cords. Synthetic-fiber ropes are much stiffer and more slippery.
• Any knot that forms a sliding loop, such as this one can be hazardous to children who may slip it around their neck or another's while playing. Never leave a sliding loop-knot lying around unattended.