Basic Sailor’s Knots

The following lists but a few of the common knots relevant to nautical activities. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult the references at the end of this page for more exhaustive lists.

Better know a knot you do not need than need a knot you do not know!

Sail Canada Basic Cruising Standards Knots

• Figure 8 Knot — Ties a stopper knot at the end of a rope
• Round Turn and Two Half Hitches — Ties a line to a ring or a spar
• Bowline — Ties a loop at the end of a rope
• Clove Hitch — Ties a line to a post or spar (perpendicular pull)
• Reef or Square Knot — Bends together the two ends of a rope
• Double Sheet Bend — Ties two lines end-to-end

A Few More Practical Knots

• Cleat Hitch — Ties a line to a dock cleat
• Trucker’s Hitch   Cinches down a load
• Midshipman’s Hitch — Creates an adjustable loop at the end of a rope
• Alpine Butterfly Knot — Creates a secure loop in the middle of a rope
• Zippelin (or Rosendahl) Bend — Ties two ropes together securely
• Hunter’s (or Rigger’s) Bend — Ties two ropes together securely
• Timber Hitch — Secures a rope around a cylindrical object (inline pull)
• Common Whipping — Prevents a rope end from unraveling

References

• Grog’s Animated Knots
• NetKnots.com
• North Woods Field Guides – Animated Knots

Additional Resources

• List of Rope Knots Tutorial
• 10 Types of Sailing Knots
• 18 Types of Rope to Have on Hand

Page Updated: 2022-07-28.