The square knot (also known as flat knot) is a simple and quick knot, suitable for tying that does not have to withstand excessive tension. It is widely used among sailors, climbers and for gift wrapping thanks to its practicality. In addition to being extremely simple, the square knot offers a certain resistance in a variety of uses, even the most unexpected. Most importantly, almost anyone can learn how to do this in just a few steps!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Making a Basic Square Knot
Step 1. Get two lanyards and put the right one over the left
- For this purpose, you will need two strings, ropes, etc. Alternatively, you can use opposite ends of the same string.
- In our example we put the lanyard held by the right hand (beige in the image above) over the one held by the left (red and black). However, even if you put the left cord over the right, you can still get a square knot by reversing the following instructions.
Step 2. Thread the right cord under the left cord
- The right end should point to the left (and vice versa).
- Keep in mind that the first two steps to tie a square knot are the same ones you use to tie your shoes.
Step 3. Thread the right cord over the left cord again
- This step is also identical to the way you start tying your shoes.
- At this point, you should have what is known as single knot. If you repeat the above steps, you get a simple knot.
Step 4. Bring the starting right lanyard over the other
Keep in mind that the cord that goes over it is still the beige one in the image above. The garment that originally stood on the right will be on the left at the beginning of this step, so it is the lanyard that must go up
Step 5. Put the right starter cord under the other
The movement is practically the same as in step 2, with the only difference that it must go in the opposite direction, as the initial right lace at this point comes from the left
Step 6. Pull both ends to tighten the knot
Try to pull all four free ends with the same force. Otherwise, the knot may lose its shape and even come loose as you pull it
Step 7. Check if the square (or plane) node is correct
- Looking at it from the front, you should have a knot similar to the one pictured in the image above. You can also find other great images at AnimatedKnots.com and other node sites.
- If you pulled the cord correctly, you should have a neat, even knot consisting of two loops inserted into each other.
Step 8. Untie the knot by pulling the loops outward
It's easy to undo the square knot: just grab the curve of each loop with your hands and pull in opposite directions. The knot should come apart very easily
Method 2 of 3: Use an Alternative Method
Step 1. Fold the left string over itself, creating a loop
- Start by holding a string in each hand (as you would with the previous method) and fold the head of the left one on itself creating a not very small loop.
- This system leads you to create a node identical to the one obtained with the previous method.
- As above, you can make a loop with the right string and reverse the directions to make an identical knot.
Step 2. Thread the end of the right string into the loop
For the following steps, it is advisable to hold the base of the loop formed with the left cord with the left index finger so that the ends remain in place
Step 3. Thread the right string under the base of the loop
Thread the right string into the loop. Insert it and bring it under this ring: it should pass under the base of the loop formed with the left string
Step 4. Bring this end to the top of the two cords joined at the base of the loop
- Then pull the right end (the one you threaded into the loop) and bring it over the cords that join the base of the loop. If you hold the latter with your left hand as indicated above, that end should be on the left side of the loop itself.
- When you are done, the right string should be on top of the loop.
Step 5. Thread the right string under the top of the loop and pull it
- Finally, take the right end of the string (which is now to the left of the loop) and thread it under the top bend of the loop. This step reproduces the movement you made earlier in the lower half of the loop.
- At this point, the right lanyard will again be "inside" the loop. Pull it to finish the knot.
Step 6. Pull all four ends with equal force
Well done! This knot should be exactly the same as the one you made following the previous method
Method 3 of 3: Edit the Square Node
Step 1. Add simple knots for extra support
- To make the square knot a little stronger, skip the "pulling the four ends" step described in the previous methods and instead repeat the process of passing the cord over and under until you get another simple knot on top of the square knot. You can add as many simple knots as you want to make the tie even stronger.
- Keep in mind that, even if you add more square knots, the result obtained will not guarantee you to use this tie in critical situations. Do not use the square knot (even reinforced with simple knots) to secure heavy loads or dangerous objects, as there is a risk that it will not hold. Instead, use a more secure knot, such as the cow's knot or the double English knot.
Step 2. Add an extra spiral in the first half of the knot to make the surgical knot
- Another way to make a regular square knot stronger is to tie a surgical knot. Therefore, after wrapping the right cord over and under the left cord for the first time, wrap it up and down again to create a second spiral.
- Then repeat the rest of the steps as you normally would. There is no need to add an extra spiral when making the second part of the square knot.
Step 3. Try to use a bent rope (rather than individual cords) throughout the knot process
- If the string is long enough (for example, a shoelace), it is recommended that you try to tie a square knot from two loops of rope (also called "twisted pairs") rather than using plain rope.
- To make this tie, simply start with a loop in each hand and treat it as a single cord following the normal square knot instructions. In other words, the loop on the right replaces the string on the right, while the loop on the left takes the place of the string on the left and the instructions must be followed in the same way.
Advice
- This is an effective knot for tying boxes and packages because it is flat and does not protrude.
- After you have made the first half of the knot, to remember which way you need to continue keep in mind that the end placed at the top continues to go up, on top of the other (see the end of the beige cord in the image of step 3).
- If you have difficulty learning this tie, using two different colored cords (as shown in the images), you will be less likely to make mistakes.
- A useful phrase to remember the steps of the square knot is: Right above the left and left above the right make a neat and tight knot.
Warnings
- This tie is effective because the friction between the two ends holds the knot in place. Therefore, it is not suitable for tying slippery ropes, such as nylon ones.
- It is worth repeating that the square (or flat) knot Not it is designed for ligatures subjected to high tension. In fact, a considerable pulling force, exerted on both ends, risks untying the knot. Other knots, such as the flag knot or the English knot, can carry heavier loads.
