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All twelve knots.

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12 knots

  • Overhand knot photograph.
    Stopper. Difficulty 1.

    Overhand

    The simplest stopper.

  • Figure eight knot diagram.
    Stopper. Difficulty 1.

    Figure Eight

    A bulkier stopper that unties cleanly.

  • Square knot diagram.
    Bend. Difficulty 2.

    Square

    For parcels, bandages, equal sized lines.

  • Sheet bend knot.
    Bend. Difficulty 2.

    Sheet Bend

    When two ropes are different sizes.

  • Two half hitches around a post.
    Hitch. Difficulty 2.

    Two Half Hitches

    The all rounder for posts and rings.

  • Round turn and two half hitches.
    Hitch. Difficulty 2.

    Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

    The strain rests before the hitches tighten.

  • Clove hitch around a wooden pole.
    Hitch. Difficulty 2.

    Clove Hitch

    Fast on, fast off. The pioneer's friend.

  • Taut line hitch on a guy line.
    Hitch. Difficulty 3.

    Taut Line

    Slide tight. Grips like glue.

  • Bowline knot, USCG photo.
    Loop. Difficulty 3.

    Bowline

    A loop that will not slip. The king.

  • Timber hitch around a log.
    Hitch. Difficulty 1.

    Timber Hitch

    A log hauler. Tight under load.

  • Trucker's hitch tying down a load.
    Hitch. Difficulty 3.

    Trucker's Hitch

    Three to one mechanical advantage.

  • Alpine butterfly loop tied mid rope.
    Loop. Difficulty 3.

    Alpine Butterfly

    A loop you can tie anywhere on a rope.

WhatKnot

A free field guide to twelve essential knots, built for scouts and leaders.

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Knot photographs and diagrams from Wikimedia Commons, US Coast Guard, and public domain sources. Forest hero by Unsplash.