Square Knot Directions

The image of a square knot sculpted into stone.

The square knot, also known as the reef knot, is tight and secure, but can also be untied rather easily. In addition these qualities, the square knot also gives a polished look to whatever is being tied. For these reasons, a square knot has many different uses. Used in boating, crafting and even fashion, the square knot is one of the simplest and most widely used knots. With a little bit of practice and the proper technique, anybody can tie a square knot in a matter of seconds.

Things You'll Need

• Rope, or other material to be tied

Instructions

1. Bring the right end of the rope over and under the left end. The left end of the rope is now the right end and the right end of the rope is now the left end.

2. Bring the left end of the rope over and under the right end.

3. Pull each end of the rope evenly until the knot is tight.

Tips & Warnings

• A square knot is ideal for tying a sash around the waist or around the head as a headband.

• Square knots are often used in making hemp jewelry.

• A common rhyme used to remember square knot directions is, "Right over left, left over right makes a square knot nice and tight."

References

• Animated Knots: The Reef (Square) Knot
• Apparent Wind: Reef Knot
• Drabble: Reef Knot