Chambers
These notes provide some basic information on the simpler knots used by the Guide Association in the United Kingdom. The knots covered the requirements of the Knotters 1 badge that is no longer used for Guides. Some of the pictures show the knots before pulling them tight so that it is easier to see how to tie them. It is important to pull knots tight evenly, this takes some practice particularly with the more complicated knots but it is worth learning this skill.
The knots in this section can all be tied reasonably well in sash cord but some of them are easier to tie in thinner material. Avoid Nylon and other synthetic materials when learning knots as some knots are not secure when tied in these sorts of ropes or cords.
Knotting is a practical skill that requires lots of practise. All budding knotters need to carry a piece of string or thin cord to practise the required knots as often as possible. Always teach the uses of knots at the same time as the actual method of tying.
Thumb Knot
This is also called a single overhand knot. The name thumb knot comes from a method of tying the knot with the thumb and fore finger of one hand. It is a knot to use with thin material like string because it weakens the material that it is tied in and it is often difficult to untie without damaging the string. The thumb knot can be used as a stopper knot for sewing thread.
Double Overhand Knot
This is the same as the previous knot except that it is tied in the doubled end of the rope or cord producing a non slipping loop. There is some confusion in the name double overhand as it is also used for a thumb knot with an extra twist. This variation of the thumb knot is also called a blood knot.
Reef Knot
Other names are square, true or flat knot. The name reef knot comes from its use in reefing and furling sails. It is used as a binding knot for parcels, bandages, bedding rolls etc. As a bend for joining two ropes together it is not very reliable. Indeed the ease with which the reef knot can be jerked undone is one of the features which make it a useful binding knot.
Surgeons Reef Knot
This is sometimes called a ligature knot. It is a reef knot with an extra half knot on the starting side. The name comes from its use with gut for tying up wounds. The picture on the left shows the knot before it is pulled tight. The right hand picture shows the final knot.
Reef Bow
This is a reef knot with the second half knot tied with two bights or loops to make it into a bow. If this is used for tying shoe laces the bow will lie across the shoe. If a granny bow is used the bow will point to the toe of the shoe.
Larks Head
This knot has a large number of names including bale sling, ring or cow hitch. Larks head is a direct translation of its French name. It is not a very secure knot when tied round a smooth pole so it needs to be used carefully.
Pedigree Cow Hitch
This is a variation of the larks head. A larks head is tied with one short end which is then passed down through the main part of the knot. When the hitch is pulled tight it is then more secure than a larks head and could be used for a washing line.
Round Turn And Two Half Hitches
This is a very useful knot for tying a rope to a post. It can be tied in a rope that is under tension making it useful for boat mooring and pioneering. Beginners often find it difficult to learn but if the name is said aloud as the knot is tied it acts as reminder for the actions required.
Single Plait
The chain knot or sinnet is one of the most common single plaits. It is also called a monkey chain. This kind of plait is easiest to tie in thin cord.
