How to Tie a Clove Hitch Knot

This is an adjustable knot that's great for temporary uses such as mooring.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camping Gear
• Climbing Gear
• Climbing Ropes
• Fishing Gear
• Fishing Lines
• Nautical Ropes
• Scouting Gear

1. 

   Loop the rope around the object you're tying to. Hold an end in each hand.

2. 

   Cross the end in your right hand over the end in your left hand, forming an X with your hands holding the pieces at the top of the X.

3. 

   Wrap the end in your right hand around behind the object again in the same direction as before, leaving the wrap loose. When you bring it back around to the front, poke the end under the piece of rope that you just wrapped around.

on 2/15/2006 A clove hitch can be tied simply by doing two opposite half hitches, too. Dressing and paying attention to the load and the position of the knot is important however. It can untie itself if loaded wrong. Remember, with this or with any other hitch, removing the anchor (or whatever it is tied to) will result in the knot falling apart completely.

on 2/15/2006 A clove hitch is most often used to begin a lash. When lashing, make sure that the long end (the end that you are going to lash from), is positioned so that it is coming straight up from the knot in the direction of the other log as the logs lay across one another. This will keep your clove hitch tight and secure. If you let the rope you are lashing double back on itself, it will eventually slip and leave your lashing loose and unusable.

on 11/22/2005 Make two loops in the rope. Move the second loop around the back of the first clip, your caribiner through both loops, and pull one end tight.