For additional videos and step by step instructions on how to tie these knots, please check out the 101Knots website below.
Difference Between Knot, Hitch, and Bend
Knot – A knot is tied in a rope, string, or piece of webbing.
Hitch – A hitch connects a rope to another object, such as poles, handles, and other ropes.
Bend – A bend is a knot that joins two ropes together.
| Knot | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Square Knot | The square knot, also known as a “reef knot”, is a general all-purpose knot. It can also be used to tie two ropes together. |
| Fisherman’s Knot | The Fisherman’s Knot is excellent for tying two ropes together, of equal/similar thickness. |
| Sheet Bend | The Sheet Bend is excellent for tying any two ropes or materials together, even when rope sizes or material types are different. |
| Bowline | The Bowline is used to tie a loop at the end of a rope. This knot does not jam or bind, meaning that it can be easily undone after use. |
| Eight Knot | The Eight Knot is a “stopper” knot that prevents the rope from sliding out of sight. This knot also does not jam or bind. |
| Girth Hitch | The Girth Hitch is an easy way to attach a rope to another loop, ring, post, etc. |
| Rolling Hitch | The Rolling Hitch attaches a rope to another rope (usually larger), such that the first rope can be easily slid along the second rope. It can also be used to attach a rope to a pole or post.
It is generally a stronger knot than the Clove Hitch. |
| Clove Hitch | The Clove Hitch is used to quickly attach a rope to a pole or post. However, this knot is prone to slipping so it not designed to be used alone. |
| Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches | Used to secure a rope to a pole, post, ring, dock, etc. |
| Sheepshank | The Sheepshank shortens a rope without cutting or destroying it. |