nine knots for sailors

These 9 knots will serve any sailor well. They are picked because they all are:
1) Useful.
2) Good knots. Easy to tie, and untie, and will not slip.
3) Easy to remember how to tie.
This short video will show how to tie each knot and talk about how it would be used on a sailboat.

[@50pence59]

Easily the best explanations I’ve had. I now feel a lot more confident that I can learn these quickly.

[@L-36]

Thank you.

[@kgs113]

Very good video. I've been going to your website for quite some time and have made use of many of your ideas. I've learned to splice Amsteel to Stayset for my halyards and finished it off with your no shackle toggle. I've made gifts of soft shackles and have made the cutest little soft shackles out of lash-it! Thank you for all you do!

[@bixbybixby6752]

Good video. With knots I notice the old adage is true "if you don't use it, you lose it" meaning one tends to forget how to tie various knots unless you use them regularly.

[@rickd2327]

I usually don't comment on videos but this was the best sailing knot video I've seen. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such a concise and thorough manner.

[@L-36]

Thank you so much. That is a very kind comment.

[@rctayas]

Thank you…I knew most is these ,but, you have a different way of knotting them…

[@garyhattan4485]

Best knot tutorial I've ever seen! Thanks from an old sailor.

[@L-36]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MeyersCTR]

I learned from every example-even the knots I thought I was familiar with!

[@davidharvey5672]

That's a great way to get a bowline started. Thanks for sharing.

[@knot4man]

I like this way of starting the bowline, too. I would point out that a bowline is impossible to untie when under strain. This can be embarrassing - or worse - in certain situations. Two half hitches can work instead. Buntline hitch I find jams too tight.

[@Captain_Bartolo]

Thank you Allen, very useful knots!

[@virgilgrillone7220]

Great video. Now I just need to watch it about 500 times to get them down! :)

[@tomfool43]

Very informative, thanks. That buntline hitch would have been very useful alternative all those times I've tried to tie a bowline in a taught line!

[@dougcraig836]

9 Really useful knots for sailors well explained. Cleaned up my old knots no end. Thanks Allen

[@L-36]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@Upnorthof48]

Well done! Explained and demoed so my simple mind can remember most of them!

[@L-36]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@argonwheatbelly637]

I've used them all, on land and sea. Thanks for teaching!!!

[@L-36]

You are welcome. And thanks for commenting.

[@lancelink88]

Thank you, by the way the Alpine butterfly is my favourite knot. A carabiner through the loop makes it even more useful and secure.

[@Legarthur]

Thanks for a good tutorial on useful knots. I like it when people are willing to share their knowledge. A small, but fun, detail: If you look closely you will find that the Strait Bend and the Alpine Butterfly are identical "at the core”. The first knot ends with two free working parts, the other with a loop. And, of course, they are tied differently.

[@L-36]

Yes. Some people call the Strait bend the Alpine Butterfly Bend. It was discovered by Brion Toss who named it after a local Strait up in Washington.

[@HagothVoyage]

These are great Allen. Thanks! Love your web site, especially the improved soft shackle.

[@michaelscarn4036]

Year 2 into Quarentine has me learning things to prep myself for end of the world hahaha never hurts to know how to tie multiple good knots!, PS awesome video man well explained

[@rldel99]

terrific presentation - thank you!

[@romekin]

Thanks, I'll have to practice them!!!

[@panhouska]

This tutorial deserves more views

[@L-36]

Thank you for that comment. You are helping to make that happen with every view.

[@brandonedwards1181]

Ahoy Allen, those are some useful knots for sure!

[@L-36]

Thank you.

[@stevedigby883]

Thank you for this video. I learned more than a few things.

[@L-36]

I appreciate your comment. Thank you.

[@nonyayet1379]

impressive, thank you for sharing with us. I took a peek at your other video's. you are good at your teaching methods, and logic. thank you. My hat's off to you.

[@L-36]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I am glad you enjoyed them.

[@Mucram-17]

Very good,best I've seen yet!Thanks

[@L-36]

Thank you.

[@mversantvoort]

Great video, thank you!

[@2icelollys1goat]

Your video presentation made this art form, and skill an even more beautiful thing

[@L-36]

Thank you.

[@fenlet6062]

From what I've been advised, dump the clove hitch, and use the cow hitch for a similar but far more secure grip. Also I normally use the Ashley stopper knot, but the last one you did was really nice looking.

[@raulthepig5821]

Fen Let; If you are tying off a dock line to a piling I would use the clove hitch, the cow hitch will slip.

[@normanacree1635]

Constrictor knot has more pinching action than clove hitch.

[@metrodorusskepsis1574]

thx. 4 the video. well done, sir.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

good presentation thanks simple

[@EricAceman]

These are usefull. I also love how he say these nots, x2 at 0,38 in the video 😁

[@garyschraa7947]

thank you Allen . yes sir by golly I enjoyed it for the fact that you're passing along info like it gets passed along in the field to a newby or from father to son etc . It was about the knots and never about yourself in a conceited sense of the term . (I talk to much ) lol thanks

[@L-36]

Thank you for the comment. I was long ago told that there comes a time in life when passing on knowledge to the next generation becomes more important than new accomplishments. That is what creates mentors. I guess at 71 I am at that stage. I am pleased you enjoyed it.

[@saints51]

On a whole 'nother level: I ran your video in slo mo, hoping to get the tying of each knot burned into my brain. What struck me was the incredible beauty of the human hand going through all those manipulations. The beauty of God's creation. Thank you, Allen.

[@L-36]

Thank you.

[@rickschuman2926]

You make it look so easy.

[@L-36]

Thank you. I hope you find them easy to tie as well.

[@weedeater64]

I can't believe I've never seen or figured out how to tie the Alpine like that. Love it. I've always made three loops, put left in middle, put new left over and through. Nothing wrong with bowline, if you want bad mouth one of these it should be the clove. Which kind of sucks. There are several better alts in Ashley's book. Ground line hitch for one.

[@L-36]

Thanks for the nice comment. I must say that everyone should know how to tie a clove hitch. It is the basis of other knots and useful to tie things when there is no load like a fender when coming into the dock. Also, putting a single knot around it will secure it for tying off a dingy. But by itself, it can and will slip under load.

[@carlosalbertoandradesilva9442]

Very well done, thanks a lot, ca.

[@murrayclarke2171]

Great presentation!

[@L-36]

Thank you!!!

[@nssdesigns]

Liked and off to practise them.

[@filmic1]

Thank-you!

[@babayaga1130]

Very useful, thank you..god bless from India

[@L-36]

Thank you.

[@tenmiltenmil1770]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😊😊😊

[@jean-pauldupuis8099]

That's a very good presentation. Thank you. I don't know why people like the clove hitches, I've lost fenders with that one, I prefer using a spar hitch. Again thank you.

[@L-36]

You are welcome and thanks for the comment. I mention adding a simple half hitch to secure a clove hitch and I guess that is a good idea even with a fender although I have never lost a finder probably because I don't leave them on the lifelines except for short periods of time.

[@ironie3]

Thanks for sharing.

[@fg49]

00:45 Bowline 01:10 Cleat Hitch 01:54 Clove Hitch 02:22 Buntline Hitch 02:56 Stopper Knot: Figure of 8 03:19 Strait Bend 04:01 Center Loop: Alpine Butterfly 04:50 Sliding Knot: Rolling Hitch 06:15 Stopper Knot: Admiralty Stopper

[@babayaga1130]

Hmmmm... unemployment

[@tetekofa]

Nice! Thank you.

[@Lidmotor]

There is another handy knot I learned from my wife called the 'Cindy Knot'. She just ties a bunch of half hitches (at least three) when she wants to attach anything to anything. You would think that this is a terrible practice but somehow she got by for years as a single hander on a 27' sailboat. If she was at the dock and needed help with a certain 'fancy knot' there was always a guy around ready to help her out. She is a critical care RN with 30 years experience and approaches sailing like a street fighter. If it works use it. If it doesn't then find another way and do it fast.

[@L-36]

Wow, now I know what that knot is called. I use the Cindy Knot myself particurally to tie off a lashing. I do a string of half hitches, maybe twenty when I am lashing Amsteel. I have also used it to tie off some Amsteel to a pad eye, again something like twenty half hitches. I think that the doctor used the Cindy knot on my stitches when I cut my finger in half on Fathers Day.

[@Lidmotor]

I don't know about these 'medical' people. They don't seem to be interested in knots. First they went to a fancy staple gun and now they just super glue skin back together if they can get away with it. My sister just had a broken arm surgery and that is what was used. It did heal up really well though. All kidding aside your video is a really good one. People should watch it over and over to learn these nine valuable knots. Some of them you need to be able to do in the dark with cold wet hands. Thanks.

[@L-36]

@@Lidmotor You are welcome and thanks to you for lightening up my day.

[@marlinespikesailorsguild9486]

You have some very good Knots there... One thing I would add about the Buntline Hitch, is that it is fine for securing your Fenders, but it should never be used for anything Load Bearing... As it can easily work it's way out o' the Line, as can the Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches...

[@knot4man]

I find the buntline hitch jams tighter and harder to untie than most other knots that I know.

[@JohnSwampthingRae]

@@knot4man Depends on the type o' Line, as well as if the line is wet or dry... Wet braided Nylon, tends to not hold very well with this particular Knot...

[@Frank-uy9in]

I would love to see you do all these knots again with the camera over your shoulder, it would make it so much easier to read. Otherwise, great video, thank you.

[@marcelolinhares8233]

Thank you!

[@L-36]

You are welcome. I am pleased you liked it!

[@charlesxix]

Spot on thanks.

[@L-36]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@77goanywhere]

Thank you. The rolling hitch is also called the tautline hitch. Very useful as a knot to allow for a non-slip length adjusting knot. The other knot I use a lot is the prussick loop. And there is still a place for the much maligned reef knot. Particularly for - reefing sails! 👍

[@L-36]

I should make a video called "The 10th knot" and present a selection of knots for people to pick their favorite of those not part of the first 9. What do you think? The prussick is a great know and I used to use it but now use a Klemheist knot instead of a prussick so that would be on the list of possible 10th knots. I find it easier to tie and as it holds better one way than the other I use it when climbing my mast. I use a slip knot to tie my sails down. Never tie the sail itself when reefing strangely enough. Too easy to forget they are tied when unreefing and ripping the sails. Thanks for the comment.

[@77goanywhere]

@@L-36 Great idea re "the 10th knot". I have imported a few campcraft knots into my sailing repertoire, hence the prussick. A few others I use are the "round turn and two half hitches" instead of the buntline hitch, and the anchor bend for permanent tieing. I heard a great saying from an old sailor. "The knot for the rope, not the rope for the knot". By that of course, learn to tie the knots that work best for the cordage you hsve, rather than knots that just seem nice to use.

[@L-36]

@@77goanywhere Yes, different kinds of rope work better with different knots. All the knots in the video work with pretty much all yacht braid. I also use climbing line and it is very different being very stiff. I still use bowlines for it as they work fine. I don't know climbing knots and while climbers don't recommend using a bowline it is because climbers don't know yacht knots. There are ways to tie a bowline wrong and of course they can shake loose so I am not going to suggest climbers use them. But they work for me. I also use a long tail, like two feet, so they are not going to slip out and kill me.

[@77goanywhere]

@@L-36 Yes, bowlines can be made more secure, with long tails, half hitch locks or double loops through the knot. I have never had one totally give way but I have caught a few that would have. Mostly nylon 3 strand with short tails. A video on the different ways to tie the "king of knots" would be good.

[@L-36]

@@77goanywhere I had one of my jib sheets let go. It was a decades ago and I am a better sailor now so how knows what stupid thing I was doing. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@projectmustardseed857]

Thank you for sharing

[@L-36]

You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@luansysilveira5215]

Nice video

[@philipspiteri735]

Thank you 👍👍🙏

[@L-36]

You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed.

[@timlamarre8680]

Thank you for your video. Question: Strait bend vs. carrick knot for tying anchor rodes together--what say you?

[@L-36]

The Strait bend will not slip and is one of the few knots that have that property. If you are tying one inch three strand, you might prefer the carrick bend. I also think the Strait bend is easier to remember.

[@timlamarre8680]

Thank you for your prompt response. Yes, the strait bend seems a lot easier to do in the dark. Happy New Year to you!

[@L-36]

Thank you and Happy New Year to you as well.

[@ryanhackland2439]

The double alpine butterfly loop is insanely easy when compared to the Spanish or Portuguese bowline. All you have to do is twist it over your palm a forth time and you're in business.

[@ironhorse3497]

Cool. Thanks !!!!

[@L-36]

You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@markketello5757]

Thanks for the lesson. When throwing two lines together to tow, would you use a Straight Bend or two connected Bosin knots?

[@L-36]

I am not familiar with a bosin knot but regardless I would use a straight bend. Another possibility is interconnected bowlines but the straight bend would be better. This assumes that the lines are the same diameter. If not, other bends would be better.

[@L-36]

@@markketello5757 I suspected that. I should elaborate a bit on why I made the recommendation I did. A bowline can shake loose. It is very rare and in 30 years of sailing it only happened to me once. But it can and did happen. A straight bend is one of only a few knots that will not come untied no matter how much you shake it. So I consider the application and if you are towing something you don't want to look back and see just one of the lines in the water and the boat you were towing long gone. Cheers and thanks for the question and the reply.

[@markketello5757]

@@L-36 Thank you, straight bend is very quick and easy.

[@pcdubya]

These are great and simple in theory, but for the life of me can't actually remember any but the bowline when I need one.

[@L-36]

Just watch the video every time before you go to your boat ;-)

[@RegiPavan]

Nicely done

[@L-36]

Thank you.

[@marvinostman522]

On comment mentioned your no shackle toggle. I looked for it but didn’t find it. Would you tell me where to find that. Thank you

[@L-36]

I do not use the no shackle toggle any longer preferring a soft shackle attached to a simple eye splice but here it is L-36.com/halyard_toggle.php

[@klaudiajulia6209]

🤩👌🏼

[@rootbeer6634]

If tied a bowline like 10 different ways but I just found a new neat way

[@kurtschmidt5746]

Ya don't use a square (reef) knot as a bend because it might spill. Then you have a cow hitch around a straight piece of line, slide right apart. People been hurt. Spilling the knot is why we use it for reefing, easy(-ish) to undo it after holding the sail.

[@MarcPorlier]

Never saw the bowline done like this

[@L-36]

Try it!

[@hamzamphamzamp239]

Super 👍👍

[@L-36]

Thank you!

[@nonyayet1379]

in the about section on your home page for youtube, you wouldn't mind telling us a little bit about yourself would you? I'm sure i'm not the only one that would be fascinated, and even learn more from you.

[@jakeiouy]

Fun Fact: The strait bend you showed is the bend version of the alpine butterfly loop. Tie both and you'll see

[@L-36]

Yeah, funny. Also strange that the inventor, Brion Toss, apparently didn't realize that it was just a alpine butterfly cut until later. It is a good knot though.

[@stettan1]

The butterfly knot has the interesting property that the four ends are equivalent, pull on the ends and they will become new standing parts, just like the carrick. Other comments, well, the cleat hitch is also a clove hitch. And the buntline is actually the four in hand necktie knot. I would add round turn and two half hitches to these essentials. This was a very good tutorial indeed.

[@you2tooyou2too]

Most knots can be tied in several ways, and have several names, depending on how it is tied or what it is used for. This is a bit like convergent evolution.

[@lancelink88]

Great T-shirt, who make those??

[@L-36]

That is a clockwork orange shirt. It is from Woot.com.

[@gregchoma7693]

Is that straight bend same as the "Ashley Bend"?

[@L-36]

No, they are similar but the tails come out of the knot differently. The advantage of the strait bend is that at least for me is easier to remember but most importantly it is one of just a few knots that will not shake loose.

[@russellcole3549]

Did you fire the guy who mounted a cleat in the middle of that nice wooden table?

[@L-36]

Lol. Actually it a piece of scrap wood a neighbor gave me. Very handy for knot demonstrations.

[@pedroclaro7822]

The sliding knot rolling hitch is just a taut line hitch, no?

[@L-36]

Same but proper name is rolling hitch per ABOK

[@cameronnedrow6017]

What you actually tied when you tied a “rolling hitch” was actually a Taut-Line Hitch. A rolling hitch involves two separate ropes while the taut-Line hitch (the one you tied) only involves one

[@L-36]

I do believe that Ashley calls both "rolling hitches". L-36.com/abok.php?listed_page=298 Knots 1734 and 1735

[@L-36]

One month ago I had 800 followers and asked people to follow as Google wants me to have 1000. I now have 900. Thanks to all my new followers. I truly appreciate it!

[@L-36]

A year later and I have over 2,000 subscribers. Thanks to all of you, whoever you are. Feel free to let me know what you would like me to talk about in my next video.

[@nickmikhaylyants762]

I thought the working end is the one which holds the load, and the standing end is the one that dangles?

[@L-36]

The working end is the end you work with to tie the knot. The standing end is the other end.

[@knot4man]

The proper terms are "standing part" and "working end." You are working with the working end. The other part isn't an end, but leads away somewhere.

[@eventhisidistaken]

Can I tie a knot? I can knot.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

You do the cleat hitch the hard way.

[@L-36]

Yeah. I normally give a twist for the last loop but so many people just tie it incorrectly I wanted to emphasize how it should look.

[@MrTeff999]

I think you misspoke at 2:22. I think you meant to say that a buntline hitch is more secure than a clove hitch (not more secure than a bowline). That said, I'm bookmarking this video.

[@L-36]

Anyone who has had a bowline come off a jib sheet knows they are not very secure. You would never want to use a bowline for an anchor. A buntline hitch is certainly more secure than a clove hitch but also more than a bowline.

[@cpobyrne1]

is the strait bend the same as the zepplin bend? ~~_/) ~~

[@L-36]

The two bends are similar but they are not the same. The zepplin bend has the tails going out opposite directions. I believe that the straight bend is also one of only a few knots that will not shake lose. I also find it easier to remember how to tie.

[@mchlshntn]

@@L-36 The "knot" part of your Strait Bend is the same as your Alpine Butterfly. The Strait Bend is also called the Butterfly Bend.

[@L-36]

@@mchlshntn That is correct.

[@tanguerochas]

Great video. IMO working end too short on cleat hitch.

[@L-36]

I agree but generally the length of the working end kind of determines itself by how much line is left over. But I started too close to the working end and didn't want to redo the video :-)

[@nostromo4269]

never had a bowline "shake loose"

[@L-36]

I have and I know others who have as well. In my case, it was a flogging sail. They certainly will not come loose if kept under tension. Rock climbers never use them but I think that is because if you tie them wrong, you die. Sailors almost never tie them wrong because they use them so often. They are a great knot.

[@ferdieburger6720]

Bowlines do shake loose when not under load. They also slip with Dyneema rope

[@L-36]

@@ferdieburger6720 I had one shake loose and they are a very poor knot for an anchor. A water bowline is a variation that holds with Dyneema. Very few knots hold with Dyneema. Maybe I should do a video on the ones that don't slip.

[@ferdieburger6720]

That sounds like a good idea Allen

[@TheDesertSailor]

Also a good one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYSZp5lofpychJI

[@L-36]

I have 800 subscribers and Google says I need 1000. Please get me over that number. Thanks!

[@MeyersCTR]

Allen Edwards Done! (My part). Thanks for taking the time to share

[@pantaleogaliotta3994]

Sei troppo veloce e le tue mani oscurano la tua dimostrazione.

[@spatialguy5571]

G’day. Nice enough video except it would be good if you commented on when to use that particular knot and any uniting tips where applicable. At present it’s just just a video of knots. Knot very helpful. Sorry 👎

[@L-36]

Thanks but perhaps you should listen again as I do talk about when to use most of the knots. I did not talk about a bowline but basically use it for your jib sheets and about anywhere where it is not subject to shaking lose. Anyway, when you need a knot, if you know these nine, you will have a tool kit to draw upon to solve whatever knot problem you have. They are all pretty easy to untie so no tricks necessary. I suggest you try each to see for yourself.

[@davidfarmer2049]

correct = knot incorrect = naaaaaaaaaart

[@patrickholcomb9628]

obvious you an excellent sailor, but, your methods are too fast for teaching, muscle memory and repetition. difficult to follow.

[@L-36]

I would suggest you play it again, perhaps rewind parts you have trouble with. The video is 7 minutes long and I didn't want to make it any longer.

[@L-36]

Oh, I also have a video on just the bowline. That one may be more to your liking.

[@patrickholcomb9628]

bro, i was not attempting to judge, if I in anyway imparted that implication...my apologies sir. I could just tell, you've done it one or two times :-) Again, you have wise and generous experience. I can accomplish many knots, set anchors while being pelted with 30-40 mph winds & rain while my eyes are closed, also captain of the boat, all the while on 6-8 ft rollers with chop directed Landers/yackers :-P . not the point, slow down a bit.

[@L-36]

Sorry, I thought you were having trouble yourself. I agree, it really flies by and covers a lot of material in a short time.

[@kimfucku8074]

I usually play them in a slower speed or even stop inbetween until I get it :-)

[@Archipelagance]

Thank you!

[@L-36]

You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.