Learn essential knots and pioneering skills for Scouts and outdoor activities, including basic knots, bends, hitches, lashings, loops, rope care and practical uses.
Nettles are probably not the first plant you’d choose when looking for something useful to make cord from. They sting, they grow almost everywhere and most people try to avoid brushing against them. They really don’t seem like much good for anything. Look a little closer, though, and nettles have a useful fibre running through…
The Prusik knot is a friction hitch that allows a loop of cord to grip a larger rope when loaded and slide along it when the load is released. It is an important ropework knot because it demonstrates how friction can be used to create a movable attachment point. The knot is made using a…
The double fisherman’s knot is a compact knot used to join two ends of rope or cord. It is particularly useful with cord of similar diameter and is commonly used when a secure, relatively compact join is required. The knot consists of two identical stopper knots that are tied around the opposite rope. When the…
The figure eight on a bight is a useful way to create a fixed loop in the middle or at the end of a rope. Unlike a basic figure eight stopper knot, this version creates a loop that can be used for attaching or connecting rope. A bight is a section of rope folded back…
The rolling hitch is a useful knot for attaching one rope to another rope, pole or similar object. Its main advantage is that it can grip against a lengthwise pull, making it useful when you need to take tension from one line with another. It is closely related to the clove hitch but has an…
The trucker’s hitch is a useful rope system for creating adjustable tension. It is commonly used when securing loads, tightening guy lines and tensioning ropes where a firm pull is needed. Unlike a simple hitch, the trucker’s hitch uses a loop in the rope to create mechanical advantage. This allows you to pull the rope…
The taut-line hitch is an adjustable knot that allows you to change the tension in a rope without completely untying it. It is particularly useful for guy lines, such as those used with tents and shelters, because the rope can be moved to increase or decrease tension. The knot grips the standing part of the…
The timber hitch is a useful knot for attaching a rope to a log, pole or other long object. It grips the object when the rope is under tension and can be released easily when the tension is removed. It is particularly useful for dragging, lifting or positioning suitable objects and is also commonly used…
The round turn and two half hitches is a reliable way to attach a rope to a post, tree, ring or other suitable anchor. The round turn takes the main load around the object, while the two half hitches secure the working end of the rope. This makes it useful when you need to attach…
The figure eight knot is a simple and useful stopper knot. It creates a larger knot at the end of a rope, helping to prevent the rope from accidentally passing through a hole, ring or other opening. It is easy to recognise and provides a useful foundation for learning several other knots, including the figure…
