How to Tie a Square Knot Properly

Also known as a reef knot, the square knot is secure and easy to untie. Get out a piece of rope and start practicing the techniques down below and you should have it down in no time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hemp
• Cords
• Climbing Ropes
• Fishing Lines
• Rope
• Twine
• Twine

1. Start with two pieces of rope that are close in diameter. We'll call them rope A and rope B for ease in describing this process.

2. Hold the end of rope A in your left hand and the end of rope B in your right hand.

3. 

   Cross rope A over rope B to form an X.

4. 

   Wrap A once to the right around B, just like the first step in tying a bow in your shoelace. A is now sticking out to the right and B is to the left.

5. 

   Cross A over B again, forming another X.

6. 

   Wrap A once to the left around B.

7. 

   Pull on the free ends to tighten the knot.

Tips & Warnings

• This knot is commonly used in macramé.
• Remember: left over right and under; right over left and under - or the reverse, whichever is handiest for you.

[scarecrow32]

on 12/18/2008 how do you get them tight? im working with 4 strands that will eventually move into 8 strands..

[DG12]

on 2/4/2007 Might I suggest that the photo of the square knot show
Two ropes, one black and one white, although I have used a 8 foot long piece of rope with one end painted black for 3 feet which worked well for BOTH instructional purposes and for camping.

[DG12]

on 2/4/2007 Might I suggest that the photos of the square knot show
Two ropes, one black and one white, although I have used a 8 foot long piece of rope with one end painted black for 3 feet which worked well for BOTH instructional purposes and for camping.

on 2/15/2006 This knot is not recommended for weight-bearing situations.

Being a flat knot, it is recommended for tying parcels (does not add to bulk), bandages (comfort as it lies flat), etc.

This knot is specifically for joining ropes of equal diameter, and does not work well with mismatched ropes. It also does not hold well with nylon ropes.

on 2/15/2006 If you have tied the knot correctly, you should be able to do this:

1.) Hold the two left rope-ends in one hand, and hold the two right ones in the other.
2.) Move your hands toward each other -- this works better with stiff rope.

You should be able to loosen then knot like this, and be able to move the two parts of the knot back and forth. To tighten again, simply draw your hands apart.