Usage: The Granny Knot is a binding knot that can be used to secure a rope or line around an object such as a bag or package. However, for this purpose other knots, such as the Reef/Square Knot, are superior so there is little use for the Granny Knot in practical application.

Also known as:

• False Knot
• Lubber’s Knot
• Calf Knot
• Booby Knot

Related:

• Reef/Square Knot
• Grief Knot
• Thief Knot

ABOK: 1206

Classification: Bend

Structure: When attempting to tie a Reef/Square Knot, it is easy to produce a Granny Knot accidentally. This is dangerous because the Granny Knot can slip when heavily loaded. A tightened Granny Knot can also jam and is often more difficult to untie than the Reef Knot. One way to distinguish them is that in the Reef Knot each loop passes completely over, or completely under (not through) the neck of the other. The Reef Knot is commonly taught as left over right, tuck under, then right over left, tuck under. The Granny Knot is the first step repeated twice, left over right, tuck under. This is a very common mistake made by people learning to tie a Reef Knot.

Strength/Reliability: The Granny Knot is considered inferior to the Reef Knot, which it superficially resembles. Neither of these knots should be used as a bend for attaching two ropes together.