Animated Scouting Knots

Welcome to Scouting Knots

These animated knots are described for scouts, but most of them have critical uses in other environments. Select the knots from: the index above left; the pictures above; or the Scouting Requirements page which provides details of the knots expected for advancement and different activities.

Selection

The selection of knots is based on consultation with many scouting leaders and a review of the requirements by some national organizations.

Choices

Rather than show the Fisherman's Knot the Double Fisherman's is used because it is safer and more widely used. The Fisherman's can easily be created by substituting Overhand Knots for the Double Overhand Knots. The Sheepshank is included reluctantly for reasons explained on its page. I make no apology for also including the Constrictor and Alpine Butterfly. They are both useful and more valuable than the Sheepshank.

Optional Knots

Some additional knots which have been listed for teaching to scouts are described elsewhere on this website: the Water Knot, the Bowline on a Bight, the Carrick Bend, and the Sailmaker's Whipping. The Tautline Hitch is regarded as a variation of the Rolling Hitch. The Double Sheet Bend is pictured on the Sheet Bend Page. The Pipe Hitch is not described as it is essentially the same as the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches with additional wraps round the pipe. The Masthead or Jury Knot is not described here as it appears to have limited use but you can find how to make it on the page about theMasthead Knot Mat in the decorative section. So far at least, the Cat's paw, Draw Hitch, and Honda are not included.

Basic Knots

For animated previews, click here.

Welcome to Basic Knots

The eight knots in this section are the most basic knots - the building blocks of knot tying. Select the knots from: the index above left; the pictures above; or the Basics Usage page.

Selection

The knots illustrate the fundamental principles of knot tying. Many are also components of other knots or they provide the underlying structure. The Square Knot (Reef Knot) and Sheet Bend are the two basic methods of joing two ropes; and the Figure 8 underlies many other important knots.

Confusion

The terms Overhand Knot, Half Hitch, and Half Knot are aften confused and frequently used as though they are interchangeable. Similarly with the Slip Knot and Noose. Their importance and their differences are explained for these five knots and cross-links are provided with each animation to facilitate quick comparison.