The easiest way to learn to tie these knots is to practice tying them using a short
length of rope and perhaps a bedpost or other inanimate object until you can tie them well
without trouble. Then you can move on to a human subject.
Square or Reef Knot 
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This is a knot for tying two rope ends together. Learn
the knot by twisting one end over the other one. Then twist them again, with the same end
on top once again. Tighten, and the knot is done. Make sure both twists have the same rope
end on top.
Not to be be used when your safety depends on it, but appropriate when you need a knot
that's really quick and easy. |
Fisherman's Knot
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Ideal for heavy, stiff, or otherwise difficult to work with ropes, this
knot is easy to tie, but once it has been tightened down, it can be very difficult to
remove, especially difficult to remove if it has a load on it (for example, if used in
suspension). Slippery rope, such as nylon, will require a double tie on each end to make
it fast. |
Water Knot  
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Another knot used to tie two ropes together, this is
very strong but difficult to untie. It is good for tying wet rope and rubber.
Not needed for most SM applications, but when working with latex straps or
other difficult-to-tie materials, it can really be helpful. |
Sheetbend 
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Used to tie two ropes together: notice the similarity
to the Square (or Reef Knot. Equally good for thick and thin
ropes, and easy to untie. |
Slipped Sheetbend 
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A variation of the ordinary sheetbend, but even easier to untie -- just
pull the loose end. |
Lark's Head 
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This very easy knot can be tied even if the ends are already tied down.
Both ends of the rope must have the same load, or the knot could slip and become
unreliable. Use to tie into grommets or eyebolts for a neat, clean look. Also used to
tie into D-rings, such as those found on a collar or on wrist restraints.
A body harness or "Web" can be started by attaching to the subject's collar
with a Lark's Head. For this type of application, the knot must be made with the centre of
the rope, leaving two equal lengths to work symmetrically around the body. |
Round Turn 
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A quick way to tie down a rope end. Not secure enough to be used where
safety is an issue, but excellent for temporarily securing the rope end. If you don't
pull the rope end through, but only the loop, you are left with a Slipped Round Turn
(pictured), which is a great temporary fastening, as it can be released with one pull of
the rope end. |
Timber Hitch  RIGHT  WRONG
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It is very important to double the working end of the rope back and twist
it upon itself, not around the anchor. Look closely at the pictures to see the difference.
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Fisherman's Loop  
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One of the easiest ways to make a loop which will not grow or shrink
under a load. Useful to tie onto a wrist or other body part, because it will not tighten
and cut off circulation. |
Bowline  
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An extremely sturdy, and therefore safe, fixed loop. Used by emergency
personnel to loop around a victim's body, under their armpits, for rescue operations. If
properly tied, will not grow or shrink under a load. This little story may help you
learn the knot: The rabbit comes up out of its hole, circles the tree, and goes back into
the hole. |
Prussick 
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For creating a loop whose size can be changed by sliding the knot up and
down the line. Sliding loops such as this one can be used to tighten down a line. Tie the
loop around your anchor point, then slide the knot down the line, making the loop larger.
The line will be pulled tight, and will remain there. |
Clove Hitch 
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A popular knot among hobbiests, this is commonly used in many
disciplines, but not too often in SM. This is because it does not tend to hold up under
varying stress, only if the load is equal on both lines. However, if the ends are brought
back from the anchor in the same direction, the resulting hitch is safe and elegant,
provided that the load on both lines is equal. |
Sheepshank   
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Use this to shorten the middle of a rope, for instance to take up slack
in a rope already tied at both ends. It must be kept under a load, or it will come untied.
The lower picture shows a "trick" way to tie the Sheepshank. |
Jug Sling Hitch  
 
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This knot got its name because it was used to create handles on the mouth
of a water or wine jug. The rope was tied around the neck of a ceramic jug, with the Jug
Sling Hitch tied at equidistant points on the perimeter. It is a useful way of forming
a loop suitable for attaching tethers to the bottom, and will not resize, regardless of
the load. |
Pile Hitch 
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This knot can be used to tie down the end of your line. Not recommended
for attachment to the body, as it will tighten and block circulation, but very useful when
tying someone spread-eagle. |
Buntline Hitch 
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A quick and easy way to secure the end of your line. This hitch
consists of a Clove Hitch tied around the anchor end of the
line.
The loop can resize under a load, so it can't be relied upon to attach to the body.
However, like the Prussick, it can be used to tighten down a line.
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