How to Tie a Hangman's Knot

Use rope to make a hangman's knot.

The hangman's knot, or hangman's noose, is not only used for its obvious, grim purposes. A variation of it known as the "uni" knot is useful for fishing. Although many knots have been used in executions in the past, nothing else has quite the grim, iconic appearance of a hangman's noose. It can be used in Halloween decorations and in theater productions.

Things You'll Need

• Rope

Instructions

1. Get moderate to thick rope. Generally, using rope thinner than 3/4 inches will make this knot a bit harder to tie.

2. 

   Make an "S" shape with your rope. Be sure to leave a lot of extra line at the end.

3. 

   Wrap the free end around the noose several times, winding toward the top. Six to eight loops will work well.

4. 

   Put the free end through the loop at the top. Be sure that there is a bit of extra line left over, or the knot could slip when you tighten it.

5. 

   Tighten the knot. Holding the free end in place, pull on the end of the line connected to the loop at the top. Slowly tighten it until the free end of the rope is held snug.

Tips & Warnings

• Although tradition holds that the hangman's knot needs to have 13 turns, in reality this makes it unstable. Using six to eight turns makes for a stable knot. If you are using it for decoration, however, use as many turns as you want.

• Keep the coils stable by holding on to them when you tighten the knot. Hold the knot in one hand, using your index finger to hold the free end in its loop.

• Never put a hangman's knot around anyone's neck under any circumstances.