Scouting Knots

How to tie scout knots.

Scouting Knots

Scouting Knots

Back Splice

Keep twisted rope from fraying by weaving strands backward.

Barrel Hitch

A sling to lift a barrel or bucket.

Bowline

Relatively secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Clove Hitch

Secure a rope to a post or spar.

Clove Hitch on a Bight

Clove Hitch on a Bight

Attach a rope to a post without access to ends.

Common Whipping

Common Whipping

Simple wrapping method to prevent rope end from fraying.

Crown Knot

Component of the back splice and various decorative knots.

Diagonal Lashing

Diagonal Lashing

Bind two spars or poles together at an angle.

Friendship Knot

Friendship Knot

Decorative knot for tying scarves, symbolizing friendship in Scouting.

Hanson Loop

Secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Midshipman's Hitch

Midshipman's Hitch

Adjustable friction hitch for use on lines under tension.

Round Lashing

Create a longer spar from two shorter ones.

Shear Lashing

Bind two poles to create a pivot for bridges, levers, or lifting.

Sheepshank

Shorten rope or take up slack without cutting or damaging the rope.

Sheet Bend

Securely join ropes of different or similar size.

Square Knot

Simple binding knot for securing objects, not suitable for joining two ropes.

Square Lashing

Knot for securely binding two poles together at right angles.

Taut-line Hitch

Taut-line Hitch

Adjustable friction hitch used to maintain tension in ropes and tent lines.

Timber Hitch

Simple knot for hauling timber, initiating lashings, and attaching bowstrings or guitar strings.

Tripod Lashing

Create tripod structures used in campsite and pioneering projects.

Turk's Head (Woggle)

Turk's Head (Woggle)

Decorative braided knot on a staff or used as a neckerchief slide.

Two Half Hitches

Two Half Hitches

Used to secure a rope at a right angle to a fixed object such as a pole, ring, or tree.

West Country Whipping

West Country Whipping

Series of overhand knots used to prevent a rope end from fraying.

Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.