The Beginner's Guide to Knots

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A square knot spills into a cow hitch. A cow hitch leads to a bowline. A granny knot spills into a clove hitch. You can use both knots to create a truckers hitch. This video also shows a couple knot books for reference and a section on choosing rope for practice.

[lordadamz]

It's funny how I know I've done all those by accident trying to tie things together (trial and error) but could never properly reproduce them on purpose. This video really helped!

[zoehancock]

Beginner's guide to knots? Should be subtitled: "journey into a parallel universe of knots." Absolutely fantastic- thank you so much. From larkshead to bowline: never seen that before, genius. What a lovely start to the new year. Might have to rethink my knot teaching though...

[GlenGlenervo]

This is absolutely the best way to learn knots. breaking them down into simpler types of knots, understanding how they relate to each other. Bravo!

[nyveara]

As someone with a reasonable experience in beginner knots, I already knew all of these knots. However, still a great video because I've never seen anyone before explain how these knots relate to each other and can be linked together so easily. Very informative and great descriptions of how and when to use each knot.

[Douglas-hwis]

Your tutorials are great - clear, concise and intelligent.

[unavailableusername]

My issue with knots has always been how it seems like each knot is it’s own series of magical steps, this tutorial is a great way to build up the ingredients of each knot, well done!

[Dargonhuman]

I appreciate how you show some practical, real world applications to these different knots that the regular person might need them for, like tying a tarp or securing a load to a pickup. I'm for sure saving this to my "Useful things to know" playlist!

[boosterbrosllc]

I can’t believe this dude just got me excited about knots, I’m about to order some rope to practice with right now! Lol

[noah]

Oddly enough, this is the first video that really clicked with me to learn a bowline knot! Breaking down the structure of the knot into those simple cow/half-cow hitches is oddly enlightening. Thank you!

[dantemlima]

As a boy scout I learned all these knots. Your video brought back a lot of good memories from when I was a kid. Kudos on the rooster!

[eckhart]

I've watched a lot of knotting videos but this one blew my mind. I didn't know all these relations exist and that you can basically transform knots into other knots. Your video is amazing to understand WHY knots are the way they are and not just HOW to knot them

[playgroundchooser]

I've been messing around with fun knots and Paracord for about a year now, and this is the first time I've ever seen the connection from the square to the bowline and beyond. Mind blown. Thank you good sir!

[efiksas]

This is just fantastic how you move from simple knots to more complex ones by using the same elements. Much easier to remember and a very very good way of teaching. Kudos to you.

[Vincent-kljy]

this video is FANTASTIC! The way you walk through the logic of improving a simple knot into a more secure one is so helpful for both remembering how to tie them and understanding how they work

[terribletoads]

I think what makes your videos different, you not only explain the knot thoroughly but you show when and where to apply it in working applications.

[briank.]

I watched this maybe 5 times and used 3 different knots to tie off a tarp! You've successfully taught me these knots better than a whole troop of boyscouts did.

[danofiremano]

Great video Sir! WHen I was a Fire Captain I would stress to my firefighters the importance of practicing their rope skills and knots that are typically used on a fire scene. That way they weren't fumbling and the knots would hold up too!

[GuberShep]

Regular knot master teaching his secrets. Nice.

[patrickstorm]

I’m into sailing and know these knots from very different contexts, but this was fun to watch lol.

[williamharshman]

I am jealous, you actually own an Ashley book of Knots. Thank you for all your videos.