How to Tie a Lariat Rope

Cowboys use lariat ropes to catch animals.

The word "lariat" is an adaptation of the Spanish word for rope. People have been making coupling, necklaces and other useful items from braided rope since Biblical days. The lariat became a staple of cowhands in the Old West.

Things You'll Need

• Rope

Instructions

1. Lay the rope out on a table horizontally with the end pointing to the right.

2. Pick up the right end of the rope and make a loop with the end pointing down. Pass the end of the rope under the rest of the rope and through the loop to make a pretzel shape.

3. Bring the end of the rope down to make a loop and pass the end through the lower right side of the pretzel. Pull the long end of the rope tight to remove the slack from the pretzel.

4. Pass the left end of the rope through the small loop formed after the pretzel. This will create a large loop and make the lariat opening.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use lariat rope to make a decorative belt or necklace instead of using metal closures.

• Do not leave a lariat rope around children, as they may injure themselves when playing with it.

References

• Lay Hands: Miscellaneous Knots
• Cowboy Way: How to Tie a Lasso