Square knot

What it’s for

• Tie a parcel, bundle or bag closed.
• Fasten a bandage.
• Reef a sail, or tie two cords of the same size together.

Good to know

Not for loads that matter. It can slip or capsize when pulled hard, and it does not join ropes of different sizes well.

How to tie it

1. 1Fold the tan end back into a C
2. 2Blue end: in under the C's curve and out over its near leg
3. 3Blue end: under both legs of the C
4. 4Blue end: back over the far leg and down through the C
5. 5Pull the ends, then the standing parts, to set the knot
6. 6Done: a square knot

Related knots

Before you rely on it

The rope here is simulated. Real rope differs in stiffness, friction and size, so practise with real rope and check the result by hand. Do not rely on a knot learned here where a failure could hurt someone.

Written for this site and not yet checked against a published knot reference. Spot a mistake? Improve this knot on GitHub.