How to Tie a Binding Clove Knot

Use sturdy rope when tying knots such as the binding clove knot.

A clove knot, also referred to as a clove hitch knot or simply clove hitch, is a binding knot with a structure of two half hitches stacked above one another. According to Animated Knots by Grog, the clove hitch knot binds and slips making it distrustful when used by itself. Boaters can find useful application of the binding clove knot when initially positioning a craft's bumper or fender hanging from a rail.

Things You'll Need

• Rope
• Post

Instructions

1. Take the rope and form a loop.

2. Form a second loop the same way up next to the first one. Make both loops identical; the shape should look similar to a pretzel.

3. Cross the two loops together, one above the other to form one knot.

4. Take the knot and place over the post. Tighten by pulling both ends.

Tips & Warnings

• This knot is binding if you stack on additional half hitches to make multiple clove hitches. Stacking half hitches causes a major strain that tightly binds earlier turns, making it impossible to untie.

References

• Net Knots: Clove Hitch
• Animated Knots: Clove Hitch Using Loops