Square Knot

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

What you need

• Two pieces of rope or paracord, similar diameter

Step by step

1. 1.Hold one rope in each hand. Cross the right rope over the left.
2. 2.Tuck the right rope under the left and pull both ends snug — that’s your first half.
3. 3.Now cross the left rope over the right.
4. 4.Tuck the left rope under the right and pull both ends snug.
5. 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.