Clove Hitch

When to use this

Use to anchor a rope to a cylindrical object when the load won’t reverse direction.

• Tying a rope to a tree, post, or carabiner
• Starting a lashing
• Hanging a line between two trees

What you need

• One length of rope
• A pole, tree branch, or post

Step by step

1. 1.Pass the working end of the rope around the pole.
2. 2.Cross the working end over the standing line.
3. 3.Wrap the working end around the pole again, on the other side of the crossing.
4. 4.Tuck the working end under the second wrap, parallel to the standing line.
5. 5.Pull both ends snug. The two wraps should sit side by side with the crossing in between.

Pro tips

• A clove hitch is the standard starting and finishing knot for square lashings — learn this before lashings.
• Add a half-hitch in the tail if you want extra security.

Common mistakes

• Tucking the working end the wrong direction — produces a knot that slips when the load reverses.
• Relying on it when the load will pull back and forth — it can work loose.