How to Tie a Square Knot

A square knot is the knot most of us first learn to tie. The art of tying knots has existed for hundreds of years. Most people know how to tie the basic square knot, but many people tie it incorrectly. The following examples show the correct way to tie a square knot.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• rope

1. 
   The square knot was used by ancient sailors to tie up the sail of a ship.

   First, take the left end of the rope and cross it over the right end of the rope as illustrated.

2. 

   Tuck the left end under the right end as illustrated.

3. 

   Tuck the end that lies on the right side of the knot over and under the end on the left side of the knot. See illustration.

4. 
   Correct square knot

   Pull on the right and left working ends to tighten the knot.

5. 
   Granny Knot (incorrect square knot)

   As was stated above most people tie the square knot incorrectly. They tie what is called the granny knot. The granny knot is an incorrectly tied square knot. It doesn't have the square form. The difference is each tuck is made from the same side rather than opposite sides of the knot.
   
   Illustration 5 shows the granny knot.

Tips & Warnings

• This knot is very useful when tying down a tent for camping.

[2besure]

on 7/7/2009 My husband does tree work and his life depends that he tie the proper knot.

[Foxility]

on 7/6/2009 Very good pictures and instructions.

[jaredsgirl]

on 7/5/2009 Great tips for tying a square knot. Your pictures are very helpful and amazing! 5*

[edieness]

on 7/5/2009 Informative article on How to Tie a Square Knot.

[kristara]

on 7/5/2009 Great step by step instructions! 5*