Triple Overhand Knot

The Triple Overhand Knot, also known as the Franciscan Friar's Knot, is a stopper knot used in climbing, often tied at the end of a rope. This knot is valued for its compact and symmetrical shape, which some consider more aesthetically pleasing than a Figure Eight or Ashley Stopper Knot. In addition to climbing, the Triple Overhand Knot is used decoratively, often found at the ends of hoodie strings, curtain pulls, and shoelaces, where a neat and attractive finish is desired.

As with a number of knots, the Franciscan Friar's Knot has been misnamed and confused with other knots over the years. The Franciscan Friar's Knot is often called the Capuchin Knot as well as the French Monk's knot or just Monk's Knot, which is incorrect on both counts, as the Franciscans are neither French nor monks but rather Italian friars.

The Franciscans, a religious order within the Catholic Church, were founded in 1209 by the Italian saint Francis of Assisi. The Capuchin Order is a branch of the Franciscan Order and was established in 1528.

Charles Hamel of the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT) has extensively researched the history of the naming of this knot and, based on his findings, we will refer to the Triple Overhand Knot as the Franciscan Friar's Knot (ABOK #517), and the three-turn heaving line knot as the Capuchin Knot (ABOK #537). To further confuse things, there is evidence that the Triple Roll knot has also been called the Franciscan Friar's Knot. Both the Franciscan Friar's Knot (Triple Overhand and Triple Roll variant) and the Capuchin Knot have three turns that represent the Franciscan vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity. In actuality, both orders use only the Franciscan Friar's Knot (ABOK #517) for their robe belts, according to Hamel.

The Triple Overhand Knot is an extension of the regular Overhand Knot, but with three passes. The Triple Roll Knot is an alternatively dressed form of the Triple Overhand Knot. By adjusting and dressing the turns, the two knots can be transformed into one another. In mathematical knot theory, the two knots are identical.

The Triple Overhand Knot is very secure but can be very difficult to untie.