In the world of rope practice, mastering the foundational knots is essential. While there are many knots to explore, these three are the ones you will encounter repeatedly. Learning them will build a strong foundation for your journey into rope work.
Overhand Knot
Thumb Knot, Single Knot, Simple Twist (I even read once: “Pretzel Knot”), Over-and-Under Knot, Regular Knot (same aka as the Square Knot!), Fist Knot, and—when tied with two ends—Half Knot.
The Overhand Knot is one of the simplest and most fundamental knots. It is a Half Hitch tied around its own running part rather than an object. This knot is widely used as a stopper knot or as a building block for more complex knots.
The Square Knot
Aka: Reef Knot, True Knot, Hard Knot, Sailor’s Knot, String Tie Knot, Common Knot, Regular Knot, Ordinary Knot, Flat Knot,
Tied with the pattern “Left over Right, Right over Left,” the Square Knot is a widely used binding knot. It is more secure than the Granny Knot and holds well under tension, making it a preferred choice for joining two ends of a rope together. However, it should not be used for heavy loads or life-safety applications.
The Granny Knot
Aka: False Knot, Lubber’s Knot, Calf Knot, Booby Knot, Garden Knot, Granary Knot.
The Granny Knot is similar to the Square Knot but is less secure and more prone to slipping. It is tied with a “Left over Right, Left over Right” pattern, which results in a twisted and uneven structure. Due to its tendency to come undone under tension, it is not recommended for securing weight-bearing loads.
Summerville Bowline
AKA Carrick Bend, coin knot, sailor knot, Portuguese-style bowline , French style bowline and big sheet bend
In 2010, the American bakushi Topologist modified the Portuguese-style bowline and the French style bowline to explain the tie in this section. It became named the Somerville bowline. Later, Wykd Dave and others discovered that the knot was in fact the Carrick bend,
Final Thoughts
These foundational knots form the backbone of rope practice, appearing in countless ties and applications. Whether you’re practicing decorative, functional, or suspension-based rope work, mastering these knots will set you on the right path. Take the time to learn them well, as they will serve as the building blocks for more advanced techniques.