{"id":9242,"date":"2022-11-01T22:00:46","date_gmt":"2022-11-02T03:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/?p=9242"},"modified":"2022-11-15T08:18:16","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T14:18:16","slug":"square-knot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/square-knot\/","title":{"rendered":"All About The Square Knot: Tutorial, Purpose, Caveats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to the all-inclusive square knot guide. You’ll find out exactly what it is, how to tie it, when you don’t want to use it, and when you do want to use it, as well as some other nuances you may not have thought of. Let’s get started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Square Knot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Square Knot, otherwise known as the Reef Knot, is a binding knot<\/strong> and is foundational to many different types of knots. Its form is described as two interlocking loops with parallel lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being extremely comfortable with the square knot will come in handy thousands of times<\/strong> in your life and will come in handy as you learn other types of knots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is the Square Knot The Same As a Double Knot?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A double knot is not the same as a square knot.<\/strong> A double knot is any knot that adds security with an additional wrap or wind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us are accustomed to using a square knot with two bights (loops) to tie our shoes. When you “double-tie” your shoes, you are essentially putting another square knot on top of the existing square knot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Tie A Square Knot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer to watch a video, check this out. If you’d like to read along, I’ll share picture-by-picture instructions as an alternative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video Instructions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How To Tie The Square Knot Picture Instructions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 1:<\/strong> Take two ends of a rope and put them parallel (my pictures show two different ropes to make it easy to follow)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 2: <\/strong>Place the right end of the rope over the left end of the rope, forming an X<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 3:<\/strong> Wrap the right end (which is now the left end) of the rope over and around the left end of the rope<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 4:<\/strong> Place the left end of the rope over the right end of the rope forming another X<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 5: <\/strong>Wrap the right end (now the left end) of the rope over and under the left (now the right) end of the rope<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 6: Pull the knot tight by pulling the two ends as well as the 2 standing parts of the rope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll know you did this right if you have two interlocking loops with all lines parallel.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Are you tired of not knowing which knot to use and when?<\/strong> Check out my free 5-day knot course! You will learn 1 essential knot per day with detailed video and picture instructions. And you’ll get it in your email! Check it out here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is a Square Knot Only Left Over Right?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a square knot, you can either start with left over right<\/strong>, or it can start with right over left<\/strong> as long as you alternate the next time you cross the ropes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, in step 2, if you make the 1st X with left over right<\/strong>, then in step 4 you would cross right over left. <\/strong> Similarly, if you started with right over left<\/strong> in step 2, you would go left over right<\/strong> in step 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Square Knots Secure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Square knots are not considered very secure. From my own testing, if you pull one of the strands instead of all the strands it’s possible to make the knot slip out. This is especially true<\/strong> if you are tying with stiff rope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, if you pull apart the loose working end and the standing part on the same side of the rope this breaks the knot easily, allowing you to pull it free. If you have any situation that might be moving the square knot around, this can easily work out the knot.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me reiterate, the square knot, by itself, is not a secure knot and should not be relied on for any critical situation. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can always make the square knot more secure by tying a half hitch<\/a> with the remaining working end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Most Secure Knot?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many more secure knots–in my opinion, the Flemish Bend or the other figure of 8 knots is much more secure, in addition to one of my favorites: the Carrick Bend. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can see more details on what I think are the most secure knots<\/strong> by checking out my post here<\/a> on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Untie a Square Knot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step 1. take two opposite ends of one side of the square knot and pull both ends (see the picture). The back should break and the knot should pop and collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2. Pull the standing part to release the working end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 1, take two opposite ends of one side of the square knot and pull both ends<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Step 1 continued, you should have the “back break” of the square knot and it should pop and collapse.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Step 2. Pull the standing part through<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Step 2 continued, the working end should pull all the way through<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
How to untie the square knot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Square Knot Good For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A square knot is fantastic for any situation where you need to quickly secure a bundle. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n