Knots

Square Knot

The classic two-rope joiner — fast, symmetrical, easy to untie.

Beginner

By William Blacklock · Last updated April 2026

When to use this

Use when joining two ropes of similar size. Avoid for heavy loads or life safety.

Joining two ropes of equal thickness
Tying off a bandage
Bundling firewood

See it done

How to Tie a Square Knot (Reef Knot) — Animated Knots by Grog

Step-by-step diagram of a reef (square) knot showing two interlocking half-knots — Reef knot diagram by Lucasbosch — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

What you need

Two pieces of rope or paracord, similar diameter

Step by step

1.Hold one rope in each hand. Cross the right rope over the left.
2.Tuck the right rope under the left and pull both ends snug — that’s your first half.
3.Now cross the left rope over the right.
4.Tuck the left rope under the right and pull both ends snug.
5.Check the shape: both loops should mirror each other. Pull on both standing ends to seat the knot.

Pro tips

Say it out loud: "right over left, left over right." That rhythm prevents the granny-knot mistake.
A square knot lies flat. If yours twists, you tied a granny — undo it and start again.

Common mistakes

Tying right-over-left twice (granny knot — slips under load).
Using ropes of very different thickness — the knot will roll.

Recommended gear

A short list of what makes this skill easier.

Paracord (50 ft)

Analog companion

Four knots cover almost everything a camper needs to tie. Master each one with a length of paracord at the kitchen table, then bring this card on the trip.

Square Knot

Square (reef) knot — two interlocking half-knots

Cross the right end over the left, then under and back up.
Now cross the left end over the right, then under and back up.
Pull both ends to tighten. The two loops should sit flat against each other.

Use it forJoining two equal-diameter ropes. Tying a bandage. Bundling a rolled tarp.

⚠ Never use for climbing, rescue, or any load that puts a person at risk.

Diagram: Lucasbosch — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Bowline

Make a small loop in the standing line, leaving plenty of working end.
Thread the working end up through the loop, around the standing line, and back down through the same loop.
Pull the standing line and the loop tight. The fixed loop will not slip under load.

Use it forA loop that won't collapse. Securing a rope to a tree. The rescue loop.

Diagram: Lucasbosch — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Taut-Line Hitch

Wrap the working end twice around the standing line on the load side.
Make one more wrap on the other side, then pass the end through and dress the wraps tight.
Slide the hitch along the standing line to adjust tension. It will hold under load.

Use it forAdjustable tension on tent guy lines, tarp ridgelines, food-hang lines.

Diagram: David J. Fred — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Clove Hitch

Pass the rope over the pole, then bring it around and over again, crossing the first wrap.
On the second pass, tuck the working end under the diagonal cross.
Pull both ends tight. The hitch will grip but slip if the pole rotates.

Use it forQuick start or finish on a tarp ridge. Tying off to a stake or pole.

⚠ Don't use for any load that swings or reverses direction.

Diagram: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Free with email

Camp Knots Reference Card

The four camp knots a kid can master in an afternoon. Diagram, steps, and use case for each — all on one page.

Prefer the full landing page first? See the camp knots reference card.

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