Slipped Miller’s Knot

The Slipped Miller's Knot is a quick release binding knot used to secure the neck of a sack, bag, or bundle. It belongs to a family of closely related knots that share the common purpose of cinching closed a gathered opening—the kind of task that was essential in the grain trade before the era of machine-sealed packaging. Today, the knot remains useful for bundling items, closing bags of all kinds, securing rolled materials, and any application requiring a compact binding that can be tightened firmly yet released without cutting.

The Miller's Knot (ABOK #1241) is formed by making two crossing turns around the neck of the bag or object being bound, then tucking the working end under the first turn. The common pattern for this family of knots can be summarized as 'two crossing turns with the ends tucked under.'

To tie: Pass the rope around the object and cross the working end over the standing part. Make a second turn around the object, laying it beside (not on top of) the first turn. Pass the working end over the crossing point and make the final tuck with a bight instead of the working end.

The Miller's Knot provides good binding strength through friction—the two crossing turns grip effectively when drawn tight, and the structure tightens further under load. It is well suited for most binding applications on convex surfaces and performs reliably with natural fiber cordage.

Ashley considered the Miller's Knot 'fairly good' but noted that the related Bag Knot (ABOK #1244) constricts better for demanding applications. For the most secure binding, the Constrictor Knot is superior, though it can be nearly impossible to untie after heavy loading. The Miller's Knot offers a practical balance: secure enough for most purposes, yet still releasable.

Several distinct but related knots share the name 'Miller's Knot'. ABOK #1242 is a minor variation where the final tuck is made in the opposite direction. ABOK #1243 (also called the Sack Knot) is structurally the same as the Ground Line Hitch. ABOK #1244 (the Bag Knot) was noted by Ashley as having better binding characteristics than the others. The Constrictor (ABOK #1249) and Strangle Knot (ABOK #1239) have also been used as Miller's knots.