How to tie a knot on a thick rope. How to tie strong knots. Picot of double flat knots

Sailors use it only in exceptional cases, when there is a need to very quickly tie two cables together. Although connecting plant cables with an oak knot is quite reliable, it has a serious drawback: a tightly tightened knot is very difficult to untie later, especially if it gets wet. In addition, a cable tied in such a knot has less strength and during operation creates a danger of catching on something during its movement. Its only positive qualities are the speed with which it can be tied and its reliability. To connect two cables, their ends need to be folded lengthwise together and, stepping back 15-20 centimeters from the edges, tie both ends as one whole with a simple knot. Do not try to tie synthetic cables and fishing line with this knot: it crawls on them.

This is one of the oldest maritime knots, which was used on ships to connect two cables, both thin and thick. In fact, this is the same figure eight, tied at both ends. There are two ways to tie this knot. First, make a figure eight at the end of one of the cables tied together. Towards the exit of the running end, insert the running end of the second cable and repeat figure 8, tied on the first cable. After this, grab each two ends, left and right, and begin to tighten the knot evenly, trying to maintain its shape. To final tighten the knot, pull the root ends of the cables (see figure). To connect two cables with a Flemish knot using the second method, place the running ends of the cables being connected parallel to each other so that they touch each other approximately along the length of one meter. At this point, tie a figure eight with two cables folded together. In this case, you will have to carry it around and thread it into the loop along with the short running end of one of the cables and the long main one. This is precisely the inconvenience of the second method of tying the Flemish knot. The connection of two cables with a Flemish knot is considered very strong. This knot, even if tightly tightened, does not damage the cable, and it is relatively easy to untie. In addition, it has excellent quality - it does not slip and holds securely on synthetic fishing line.

The connection of two cables with a water knot is considered no less strong. To tie it, place the ropes to be tied with their ends facing each other so that their ends run parallel and touch each other. Holding the running and root ends of two different cables in one hand, begin to knit an oak knot with them, but instead of one run-out of the root end, make two. Before finally tightening the knot, make sure that one pair of ends comes out of the loop from the top, and the second from the bottom, as shown in the diagram. The water unit is simple and reliable. It has not found wide use in the navy, because with strong draft it becomes so tight that it is very difficult to untie it.

How much irony and disdain can be heard from sailors towards this primitive and, unfortunately, unit that has firmly taken root in our everyday life. This is exactly what sailors should not do - tie this knot. A naval man who unluckily tied a woman's knot even on shore will certainly be ridiculed by his colleagues. Like, this is a disgrace for the fleet. But, alas, among land people this knot is a universal one. The vast majority of people who are not familiar with rigging, or those who, by their profession, do not deal with ropes, ropes, or threads, use the woman’s knot in all cases when they need to tie, tie or tie something . It seems that people, having learned this knot in childhood, believed so strongly in its utilitarian nature that they don’t even want to hear about any other complex sea knots. Nevertheless, speaking seriously, this traitorous knot has caused a lot of troubles throughout the history of mankind and even claimed many human lives. The Babi knot consists of two half-knots tied sequentially one above the other in the same direction. If you tie two ropes with it and pull it, you can immediately see that it begins to move along the rope and slide along it. And if it is tied close to one of the tied ends of the rope, then when pulled, it can slip and will certainly slip if the tied ropes are of different thicknesses. Unfortunately, not everyone knows about this and continues to use it. In our country, this knot got its name due to the fact that from time immemorial women tied the ends of their headscarves with it. Abroad, it is called the “grandmother’s”, “stupid”, “veal”, “false”, “newborn” knot. But, oddly enough, sailors and fishermen of some countries use the woman’s knot in their work. In addition to its negative qualities (sliding and not being untied), they caught one of its positive properties - under certain conditions, it can instantly turn into a simple bayonet - into one of the simplest and most reliable sea knots for securing the mooring of a vessel on the shore with a pole, bollard or mooring bollard . But in order to tie a simple bayonet when mooring, you need to get off the ship ashore and do it directly at the fireplace or bring the end to the shore so that those standing on the shore can do it. But it turns out that a simple bayonet can be tied to the mooring bollard without leaving the ship ashore. And this is done with the help of a woman’s knot, despised by sailors... To do this, at the end of the cable, which they intend to bring ashore for fastening it with a simple bayonet around the pole, a loop is made, the running end of which is connected to the root end with a woman’s knot, which is not fully tightened. From the side of the ship this loop is thrown onto the pole. When tugging at the main part of the mooring line, the woman's knot turns into a simple bayonet.

Some people, when tying two ropes together, somehow manage to tie a so-called “mother-in-law” knot, which is somewhat reminiscent of a woman’s knot. If in the latter the running ends come out of the knot on one side, then in the mother-in-law knot they come out from different sides diagonally. The "mother-in-law's" knot is just as insidious as the woman's (if not more). It should not be used under any circumstances.

Archaeological finds indicate that the Egyptians used it approximately three thousand years BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans called it Nodus Hercules - the Hercules or Hercules knot, because the mythical hero Hercules tied the skin of the lion he killed on his chest with it. The Romans used the straight knot to stitch wounds and heal broken bones. It consists of two half-knots, sequentially tied one on top of the other in different directions. This is the usual easiest way to knit it (Fig. a). Sailors, who have been using this knot since ancient times to tie cables, use a different tying method (Fig.b). Weavers who use a straight knot to tie up broken threads of yarn tie it in their own, special way, convenient for them (Fig. c). When there are large loads on the connected cables, as well as when the cables get wet, the straight knot is greatly tightened. How do you untie a straight (reef) knot, which is so tight that it cannot be untied and will have to be cut. A straight knot, even if wet and tightly tightened, can be untied very simply, in 1 - 2 seconds. Tie a straight knot as shown in diagram (d). Take ends A and B in your left hand, and ends C and D in your right hand. Pull them strongly in different directions and tighten the knot as tightly as possible. After this, take the root end of A in your left hand (to prevent it from slipping out of your hand, make a couple of slings around your palm). Take running end B in your right hand (it can also be wound around your palm.). Pull the ends sharply and firmly in different directions. Without releasing end A from your left hand, clench the remaining part of the knot into your fist with your right hand, holding it with your thumb and forefinger. Pull the root end A to the left - the knot is untied. The whole secret is that when ends A and B are pulled in different directions, the straight knot turns into two half-bayonets and completely loses all its properties. It also comes undone easily if you take the root end G in your right hand and pull the running end B strongly to the left. Only in this case, the end of G must then be pulled to the right, and the remaining part of the knot (half bayonets) - to the left. When untying a straight knot in this way, remember that if you pulled the running end to the right, pull the main end to the left and vice versa. When untying a straight knot, one should not forget that with the same force it was tightened, one of its running ends must be pulled with the same force.

At first glance, it is almost no different from a straight knot and it seems that it is akin to it. But if you look closely, it becomes clear that the running ends of the thief's knot come out of it diagonally. The thief's knot, like the woman's and mother-in-law's knots, are shown for clarity, to emphasize their similarities and differences with the straight knot. It is not recommended to use these four knots, as they are unreliable for connecting two cables. The origin of the name "thief's knot" is curious. It appeared on English warships at the beginning of the 17th century. The theft of royal property and the theft of personal belongings of sailors on British ships were considered commonplace. In those years, sailors on warships stored their simple belongings and food, mainly in the form of biscuits, in small canvas bags. Naturally, the bag cannot be locked, it can only be tied. As a rule, sailors tied their personal bags with a straight knot. The thieves, mostly recruits who were not yet accustomed to the starvation ship rations, having stolen other people's biscuits, could not correctly tie the knot with which the bag was tied. They knitted something similar - a knot that the sailors began to call a thief's knot. There is a second version about the origin of this name: to prove the act of theft from a bag, the owner deliberately tied a knot very similar to a straight one, and the thief, not paying attention to the catch, tied the robbed bag with a straight knot. But be that as it may, the origin of the node itself, like its name, is connected with the Fleet.

They are still used by surgeons to tie ligature threads to stop bleeding and to stitch tissue and skin. Nowadays, medicine has not yet abandoned the use of nodes, and doctors skillfully use them. During abdominal operations, surgeons have to apply sutures made of catgut (a special material obtained from the mucous layer of the intestines of a ram or sheep), which resolves after 3-4 weeks. When tying, the catgut slips, and when making knots on it, surgeons use special clamps. During microsurgical operations, doctors use extremely thin suture material - a synthetic thread 10 to 200 times thinner than a human hair. Such a thread can only be tied using special clamps under an operating microscope. These threads are used when stitching the walls of blood vessels, for example, when replanting fingers, or when stitching individual nerve fibers. They mainly use woman's, straight, bleached, surgical knots and the so-called “constrictor” knot. When tying a surgical knot, first make two half-knots one after the other with two ends, which are then pulled in different directions. Then another half-knot is tied on top, but in the other direction. The result is a knot very similar to a straight one. The principle of the knot is that the first two half-knots prevent the two ends from moving apart while another half-knot is knitted on top. This knot is convenient to use when there is a need to tighten and tie some elastic bale or burden with a rope and the tightened first half of the knot on the rope, without letting go of its ends, has to be pressed with your knee.

It is very similar to a surgical knot, differing only in that instead of one second half-knot, it has two of them. It differs from its, so to speak, progenitor - the direct knot - in that the running end of the cable is wrapped around the running end of another cable twice, after which the running ends are led towards each other and wrapped around them twice again. In other words, there are two half-knots below and two half-knots on top, but tied in the opposite direction. This gives it the advantage that when there is a heavy load on the cable, it is not as tight as a straight knot and is easier to untie in the usual way.

It has long been considered one of the most reliable knots for tying cables of different thicknesses. They even tied anchor hemp ropes and mooring lines. Having eight weaves, the flat knot never gets too tight, does not creep or spoil the cable, since it does not have sharp bends, and the load on the cables is distributed evenly over the knot. After removing the load on the cable, this knot is easy to untie. The principle of a flat knot lies in its shape: it is really flat, and this makes it possible to select the cables connected with it on the drums of capstans and windlass, on the welps of which its shape does not interfere with the even placement of subsequent hoses. In maritime practice, there are two options for tying this knot: a loose knot with its free running ends tacked to the main or half-bayonets at their ends (a) and without such a tack when the knot is tightened (b). A flat knot tied in the first way (in this form it is called a Josephine knot) on two cables of different thicknesses almost does not change its shape even with very high traction and is easily untied when the load is removed. The second tying method is used for tying thinner cables than anchor and mooring ropes, and of the same or almost the same thickness. In this case, it is recommended to first tighten the tied flat knot by hand so that it does not twist during a sharp pull. After this, when a load is applied to the connected cable, the knot creeps and twists for some time, but when it stops, it holds firmly. It unties without much effort by shifting the loops covering the root ends. As already mentioned, a flat knot has eight intersections of cables and it would seem that it can be tied in different ways; there are 256 different options for tying it. But practice shows that not every knot from this number, tied according to the principle of a flat knot (alternating intersection of opposite ends with under and over), will hold securely. Ninety percent of them are unreliable, and some are even dangerous for tying ropes designed for strong traction. Its principle depends on changing the sequence of intersection of connected cables in a flat knot, and it is enough to change this order a little, and the knot acquires other negative qualities. Before using this knot in practice for any important task, you must first remember its diagram exactly and connect the cables exactly according to it without any, even the most insignificant deviations. Only in this case will the flat knot serve you faithfully and not let you down. This marine knot is indispensable for tying two cables (even steel ones, on which significant force will be applied, for example, when pulling out a heavy truck stuck in the mud half a wheel with a tractor).

In foreign rigging practice, this knot is considered one of the best knots for connecting two large diameter cables. It is not very complex in its design and is quite compact when tightened. It is most convenient to tie it if you first lay the running end of the cable in the form of a figure 8 on top of the main one. After this, thread the extended running end of the second cable into the loops, pass it under the middle intersection of the figure eight and bring it above the second intersection of the first cable. Next, the running end of the second cable must be passed under the root end of the first cable and inserted into the figure eight loop, as the arrow indicates. When the knot is tightened, the two running ends of both cables stick out in different directions. The dagger knot is easy to untie if you loosen one of the outer loops.

Despite its name, this elementary unit is quite reliable and can experience heavy loads. In addition, it can be easily untied in the absence of traction. The principle of the knot is half bayonets with other ends (a). Sometimes we have to tie two belts: or two ribbons, well, let's say, reins. For this purpose, a “grass” knot is very convenient (b). It can be tied by slightly changing the “mother-in-law” knot or starting with half bayonets, as shown in diagram (a). When you tighten the “grass” knot by the root ends, the knot twists and takes on a different shape. When it is completely tightened, the two running ends point in the same direction.

Its name suggests that it is convenient for tying bags and bundles. It is simple, original and designed for quick knitting. The packet knot is somewhat reminiscent of the grass knot. In terms of strength, it is not inferior to the latter.

In Russia, this node has long had three names - forest, fishing and English. In England it is called English, in America - river or waterway junction. It is a combination of two simple knots tied with the running ends around the alien root ends. To tie two cables with a fisherman's knot, you need to put them towards each other and make a simple knot with one end, and pass the other end through its loop and around the root end of the other cable and also tie a simple knot. Then you need to move both loops towards each other so that they come together and tighten the knot. The fisherman's knot, despite its simplicity, can be safely used to tie two cables of approximately the same thickness. With a strong pull, it is tightened so tightly that it is practically impossible to untie it. It is widely used by fishermen for tying fishing line (not synthetic) and for attaching leashes to fishing line.

This knot is considered one of the most reliable knots for tying synthetic fishing gear. It has quite a lot of weave, is symmetrical and relatively compact when tightened. With a certain skill, you can even tie the strings of a piano with it. To do this, the place where the string is tied must be thoroughly degreased and coated with shellac. The snake knot can be successfully used to tie two cables made of any materials when a strong, reliable connection is required.

In weaving, there are about two dozen original knots for tying up broken threads of yarn and for connecting new spools. The main requirements imposed by the specifics of production on each weaving knot are the speed with which it can be tied, and the compactness of the knot, ensuring the free passage of the thread through the machine. Experienced weavers are truly virtuosos at knitting their ingenious knots. They tie up a broken thread in just a second. They have to do this without stopping the machine. Almost all weaving knots are designed primarily for instant tying, so that in the event of a thread breakage, uninterrupted operation of the weaving machines is ensured. Some of the weaving knots are very similar to sea knots, but differ from the latter in the way they are tied. Some weaving knots have long been borrowed by sailors in their original form and serve them reliably. The weaving knot can be called the “brother” of the clew knot. The only difference is in the method of tying it and in the fact that the latter is tied into a krengel or into a sail, while the weaving knot is knitted with two cables. The principle of the weaving knot is considered classic. Truly this is the epitome of reliability and simplicity.

This knot is similar to a weaving knot in its principle. The only difference is that in a tied knot the running ends point in different directions - this is very important when tying threads of yarn. It is not inferior in either simplicity or strength to a weaving knot and is just as quickly tied. This knot is also famous for the fact that on its basis you can tie the “king of knots” - the bower knot.

It got its name from the word “sheet” - a tackle that is used to control the sail, stretching it by one lower corner if it is oblique, and at the same time by two if it is straight and suspended from the yard. The sheets are named after the sail to which they are attached. For example, the fore-sheet and main-sheet are the gear with which the lower sails are set - the foresail and mainsail, respectively. Mars-sheets serve to set the topsails, jib-sheets pull back the clew angle of the jib, and foresail-sheets pull back the clew angle of the foresail, etc. In the sailing fleet, this knot was used when it was necessary to tie the tackle into the fire of the sail, in the middle, such as the topsail-fox-sheet. The clew knot is simple and very easy to untie, but it fully justifies its purpose - it securely holds the clew in the sail's crest. Tightening tightly does not damage the cable. The principle of this unit is that the thin running end passes under the main one and, when pulled, is pressed by it in a loop formed by a thicker cable. When using a clew, you should always remember that it holds securely only when traction is applied to the cable. This knot is knitted almost in the same way as a straight one, but its running end is passed not next to the main one, but under it. The clew knot is best used for attaching a cable to a finished loop, krengel or thimble. It is not recommended to use a clew knot on a synthetic rope, as it slips and can break out of the loop. For greater reliability, the clew knot is knitted with a hose. In this case, it is similar to a brass knot; the difference is that its hose is made higher than the loop on the root part of the cable around the splash. The clew knot is a component of some types of woven fishing nets.

Just like the clew knot, it got its name from the name of the gear - the top sheet, which is used to stretch the clew knots of the lower edge of a straight sail when setting the top sails. If the single sheets of the lower sails are tied with a clew knot, then the top clew and boom halyards, top halyards and boom halyards, as well as top halyards are tied with a top clew knot. The clew knot is more reliable than the clew knot because it does not immediately untie when the pull on the cable stops. It differs from a clew knot in that the loop (or krengel) is surrounded by the running end not once, but twice, and is also passed under the main end twice. In the days of the sailing fleet, the front clevis knot was widely used when working with gear. It was used when it was necessary to take some kind of gear into the fire, for example, top sheets and top sheets. Usually they tied the bram-gins in the bram-halle and the gins in the topenant of the lower yards. The windlass knot is also reliable for tying two cables of different thicknesses. It holds well on synthetic cables of equal thickness.

In maritime practice, it often becomes necessary to attach a much thinner cable to a thick rope. There is always such a need when a ship is moored to a pier, when one or several mooring lines need to be supplied from the deck. There are several ways to attach the casting end to a mooring line that does not have a light, but the most common is to use a dock knot. To tie this knot, the running end of the thick cable to which you intend to attach the thin cable must be folded in half. Insert a thin cable into the resulting loop from below, make one run around the root part of the thick cable, pass it under the thin cable, then over the running end of the thick cable and, passing under three cables, insert it into the loop. The docker's knot is reliable enough to use the throwing end to pull (or lift onto the deck from the shore) a heavy mooring line, and it quickly unties. It is best used as a temporary knot.

It seems strange that this wonderful knot, long known to furriers, has still remained unnoticed by sailors. His scheme speaks for itself. It is relatively simple, has enough crossed ends and is compact. In addition, the furrier's knot has an excellent property: designed for strong traction, it is tightly tightened, but also untied without much difficulty. This knot can be successfully used for tying synthetic cables and fishing lines.

This knot, although not widely used in the navy, is also one of the original and reliable knots for tying cables. It is unique in that, with a very simple interweaving of each end separately, it holds tightly under very strong traction and, moreover, it is very easy to untie after removing the load on the cable - it is enough to move any of the loops along the corresponding root end and the knot immediately falls apart. It does not slip on synthetic fishing line and can be successfully used by anglers.

In our time, inventing a new knot is almost incredible, since no more than 500 of them have been invented over five thousand years. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the invention of a new unit by retired English doctor Edward Hunter in 1979 caused a kind of sensation in maritime circles in many countries. British patent experts, issuing Hayter a patent for his invention, recognized that the unit was indeed new. Moreover, it holds perfectly on all lines, including the thinnest synthetic lines. Essentially, a hunting knot is a successful interweaving of two simple knots tied at the ends of the cables. Dr. Hunter did not pursue the goal of inventing a new knot, but tied it completely by accident. Since the surname Hunter means “hunter” in English, we called this knot a hunting knot.

Based on materials from the bookLev Scriabin “Sea Knots”

3. Knots for connecting two cables.

Oak knot(Fig. 20). Sailors use it only in exceptional cases, when there is a need to very quickly tie two cables together. Although connecting plant cables with an oak knot is quite reliable, it has a serious drawback: a tightly tightened knot is very difficult to untie later, especially if it gets wet. In addition, a cable tied in such a knot has less strength and during operation creates a danger of catching on something during its movement. Its only positive qualities are the speed with which it can be tied and its reliability.

To connect two cables, their ends need to be folded lengthwise together and, 15-20 centimeters from the edges, tie both ends as one whole with a simple knot.

Do not try to tie synthetic cables and fishing line with this knot: it crawls on them.

Flemish knot (Fig. 21). This is one of the oldest maritime knots, which was used on ships to connect two cables, both thin and thick. In fact, this is the same figure eight, tied at both ends. There are two ways to tie this knot. The first one is shown in the diagram.

First, make a figure eight at the end of one of the cables tied together (see Fig. 3). Insert the running end of the second cable towards the exit of the running end and repeat the figure “8” tied on the first cable. After this, grab each two ends, left and right, and begin to tighten the knot evenly, trying to maintain its shape. To final tighten the knot, pull the root ends of the cables.

To connect two cables with a Flemish knot using the second method, place the running ends of the cables being connected parallel to each other so that they touch each other approximately along the length of one meter. At this point, tie a figure eight with two cables folded together. In this case, you will have to carry it around and thread it into the loop along with the short running end of one of the cables and the long main one. This is precisely the inconvenience of the second method of tying the Flemish knot.

The connection of two cables with a Flemish knot is considered very strong. This knot, even if tightly tightened, does not damage the cable, and it is relatively easy to untie. In addition, it has excellent quality - it is non-slip and holds securely on synthetic fishing line.

Rice. 21. Flemish knot

Water node(Fig. 22). The connection of two cables with a water knot is considered no less strong. To tie it, place the ropes to be tied with their ends facing each other so that their ends run parallel and touch each other. Holding the running and root ends of two different cables in one hand, begin to knit an oak knot with them (see Fig. 20), but instead of one run-out of the root end, make two. Before finally tightening the knot, check that one pair of ends comes out of the loop from above, and the second from the bottom, as shown in the diagram (see Fig. 22).

The water unit is simple and reliable. It has not found wide use in the navy, because with strong draft it becomes so tight that it is very difficult to untie it.

Rice. 22. Water knot

Babi knot(Fig. 23). Let us make a reservation in advance that the author deliberately placed this knot in the book, as an example to explain the principle of other sea knots.

Woman's knot... How much irony and disdain can be heard from sailors towards this primitive and, unfortunately, knot that has firmly taken root in our everyday life! What sailors should not do is tie a woman's knot. A naval man who unluckily tied this knot even on the shore will certainly be ridiculed by his colleagues: they say, a disgrace for the fleet! But, alas, among land people this knot is a universal one. The vast majority of people who are not familiar with rigging, or those who, by their profession, do not deal with ropes, ropes, or threads, use the woman’s knot in all cases when they need to tie, tie, or tie. It seems that people, having learned this knot in childhood, believed so strongly in its utilitarian nature that they don’t even want to hear about any other complex sea knots. And, nevertheless, speaking seriously, this traitor node has caused a lot of troubles throughout the history of mankind and even claimed many human lives.

The Babi knot consists of two half-knots tied sequentially one above the other in the same direction. If you tie two ropes with it and pull it, you can immediately see that it begins to move along the rope and slide along it. And if it is tied close to one of the tied ends of the rope, then when pulled, it can slip and will certainly slip if the tied ropes are of different thicknesses. Unfortunately, not everyone knows about this and continues to use it.

In our country, this knot got its name due to the fact that from time immemorial women have tied the ends of headscarves with it (it is very convenient for this purpose). Abroad, it is called the “grandmother’s”, “stupid”, “veal”, “false”, “newborn” knot.

But, oddly enough, sailors and fishermen of some countries use the woman’s knot in their work. In addition to its negative qualities (sliding and not being untied), they caught one of its positive properties - under certain conditions, it instantly turns into a simple bayonet (see Fig. 10) - into one of the simplest and most reliable sea knots for securing the mooring of a vessel on the shore for a bollard, bollard or mooring bollard. But in order to tie a simple bayonet when mooring, you need to get off the ship ashore and do it directly at the fireplace or bring the end to the shore so that those standing on the shore can do it. But it turns out that a simple bayonet can be tied to the mooring bollard without leaving the ship ashore. And this is done with the help of a woman’s knot, despised by sailors... To do this, a loop is made at the end of the cable, which they intend to bring ashore for fastening it with a simple bayonet around the pole, the running end of the cable is connected to the root end with a woman’s knot, which is not fully tightened. From the side of the ship this loop is thrown onto the pole. When tugging at the main part of the mooring line, the woman's knot turns into a simple bayonet.

“Mother-in-law” knot(Fig. 24). Surprising but true. Some people, when tying two ropes together, somehow manage to tie a so-called “mother-in-law” knot, which is somewhat reminiscent of a woman’s knot. If in the latter the running ends come out of the knot on one side, then in the mother-in-law knot they come out from different sides diagonally.

The “mother-in-law’s” knot is just as insidious as the woman’s (if not more). It should not be used under any circumstances. The author placed it in the book to show how not to tie knots. However, from this dangerous knot you can make a wonderful knot called “herbal” (see Fig. 31).

Straight knot(Fig. 25). This wonderful knot is worth telling about it in more detail. Archaeological finds indicate that the Egyptians used it approximately five thousand years BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans called it Nodus Hercules - the Hercules or Hercules knot, because the mythical hero Hercules tied the skin of the lion he killed on his chest in this way. The Romans used a straight knot for stitching wounds and treating bone fractures. It consists of two half-knots, sequentially tied one above the other in different directions. This is the usual, simplest way to knit it (Fig. 25, A).

Sailors, who have been using this knot since ancient times to tie cables, use a different method of tying (Fig. 25, b). Weavers who use a straight knot to tie broken threads of yarn tie it in a special way that is convenient for them (Fig. 25, V).

The author of the book takes the liberty of declaring that a gross mistake was made in the interpretation of the characteristics of the direct knot and in the recommendations for its use, published in all domestic publications without exception. It has not been corrected to this day, they forgot about it and believed that this knot “reliably serves to tie two cables of approximately the same thickness” and that “it is very difficult to untie if it gets tight.”

This is what modern nautical reference books and textbooks published in our country in recent years tell us about the direct knot. “A straight knot is used to tie two cables of approximately the same thickness. With strong tension and wetness, the straight knot becomes tight and can be very difficult to untie. Therefore, when tying thick cables with a straight knot, it is necessary to insert a “brake” into the knot (Handbook of Marine Practice. M.: Voenizdat, 1969, p. 192). Almost the same thing is said about the direct knot in the atlas of V.V. Grigoriev and V.M. Gryaznov “Ship rigging” (M.: Traneport, 1975, p. 3): “The direct knot is used when tying cables of approximately the same thickness. When there are large loads on the connected cables, as well as when the cables get wet, the straight knot becomes very tight. To prevent excessive tightening, a wooden insert is inserted into the loops of the knot.”

The idea of ​​taking reefs with a straight knot will seem absurd to today's sailors. But it was with this, a straight knot, that in the days of the sailing fleet they took reefs on ships with a straight rig: in two reef seasons they tied the upper part of the straight sail panel to the reef line. The reef knot (see Fig. 94) was used to take reefs on small vessels (yawls, longboats and yachts), picking up part of the sail along the lower luff, and connecting it with the reef pins.

Several years ago, the author of these lines drew attention to the fact that in almost all maritime dictionaries and textbooks on maritime practice published in our country in the last century, the knot in question had two names - “straight”, and, as It’s not strange, it’s also “reef”. For example, let’s look at the “Explanatory Marine Dictionary” compiled by V.V. Bakhtin and published in St. Petersburg in 1894 (p. 265-266): “A straight knot or reef knot (Reef Knot; Right Knot) is knitted from two ends . First, a simple knot is knitted, then the end extended by the right hand is passed to the left, and the other end, taken above the first, is threaded under it and tightened. From this you can see that the reef knot consists of two simple knots knitted one above the other. The corresponding ends of both simple knots must be on the same side of the entire knot, only then it is called straight; otherwise an oblique knot will come out.”

Soviet Admiral K. S. Samoilov in his two-volume “Naval Dictionary” (M.-L.: Voenmorizdat, 1939-1941, p. 465) also gives a second name for this knot: “Straight knot (Reef Knot) - a knot that is used to tie two ends for weak traction, since with strong traction (if you don’t put a brake in the middle of the knot), it gets so tightened that it can’t be untied and will have to be cut.”

Having made an excursion into old and modern encyclopedias, reference books, dictionaries and textbooks on maritime affairs, published abroad, the author can state the following.

In English, the straight knot was and is still called “The Reef Knot.” This name was introduced into his naval dictionary by the English admiral John Smith in 1627. The term “straight knot” (The Square Knot) was introduced into the English maritime language by the American writer Richard Dana in 1841. He is known for the fact that, being a lawyer by profession, he hired himself as a simple sailor on a merchant sailing ship, sailed for two years and after that published the magnificent book “Two Years as a Sailor” and compiled an excellent English explanatory maritime dictionary. In addition to these two names, English-speaking sailors call the straight knot sailor's, correct, strong and ordinary. But the official and most common name of the knot, which we call a direct knot, in English is still “The Reef Knot” - a reef knot. Scandinavian sailors call it a reef knot: the Swedes - “Rabandsknop”, the Danes and Norwegians - “Raabandsknob”.

It turns out that the straight knot in the days of the sailing fleet was used primarily not “for tying together cables of approximately the same thickness,” but for taking reefs. Here is what is said about this in one of the best English maritime dictionaries on sailing - “Dictionary of Marine Terms”, compiled by A. Anetsd in 1897, which has since been regularly republished every 5-7 years in Glasgow: “The most common knot for tying is a reef, or straight, node. It is applicable in many cases, such as for tying the luff of a sail to the gaff, to the yard, etc., but it got its name (reef knot) due to the fact that reef seasons have always been tied with this knot.”

A precise and comprehensive formulation of the straight knot is given by René de Kerchove in his “International Maritime Dictionary” (New York, 1972): “A reef knot is a knot consisting of two half-knots tied in succession, used to tie together cables of the same thickness. Typically used for reefing sails due to the ease with which it can be unfurled.”

What we mean by the name “reef knot” (see Fig. 94) in all manuals on marine practice in English is called not just “The Reef Knol”, but “The Slipped Reef Knot” (sliding reef knot) or “The Draw Knot” and “The Half Bow Knot”. Rene ds Kershov writes about it this way: “A sliding reef knot - a knot similar to a regular reef knot, is even easier to untie. Also called The Half Bow Knot.”

How can a straight knot be untied, which, according to the characteristic unanimously accepted by our experts, is so tightened that it cannot be untied and will have to be cut?” A straight knot, even if wet and tightly tightened, can be untied very simply, in 1-2 seconds. Tie a straight knot as shown in the top diagram of Fig. 25, G. Take the ends in your left hand A And B, and to the right - the ends IN And G. Pull them firmly in different directions and tighten the knot as tightly as possible. After this, take the root end in your left hand A(to prevent it from slipping out of your hand, make a couple of slings around your palm). Take the running end in your right hand B(it can also be wrapped around your palm). Pull the ends sharply and firmly in different directions. Without releasing end A from your left hand, clench the remaining part of the knot into your fist with your right hand, holding it with your thumb and forefinger. root end A pull to the left - the knot is untied. The whole secret is that when you pull the ends A And B in different directions the straight knot turns into two half-bayonets and completely loses all its properties. It will also come undone easily if you take the root end in your right hand A and pull the running end hard IN to the left. Only in this case is the end A you then need to pull it to the right, and the remaining part of the knot (half bayonets) to the left. When untying a straight knot in this way, remember that if you pulled the running end to the right, pull the main end to the left and vice versa.

When untying a straight knot, one should not forget that, with whatever force it was tightened, one of its running ends must be pulled with the same force. Even a wet straight knot, tied on the thickest plant cable, which was under strong traction (without the brake inserted), can always be untied by taking one of the running ends onto a capstan or winch. In any case, there is no need to cut the cable.

So, the reader now obviously agrees that the characteristic of the direct knot, which has appeared for some unknown reason over the past seventy years in our country, is erroneous. Moreover, it is extremely important for our authors of manuals on maritime practice and rigging to reconsider the interpretation of the very essence of the direct knot and recommendations for its use.

Apparently, only in our country there is an unreasonably respectful attitude towards this unit. Sailors from other countries treat him more soberly and even with prejudice. For example, not a single foreign manual on knots contains such a dangerous recommendation for a straight knot, which is contained in the “Handbook of Marine Practice” we mentioned: “A straight knot is used to connect two cables of approximately the same thickness.”

The Ashley Book of Knots (New York, 1977), widely known abroad, says the following about the direct knot:

“Previously, this knot had a specific purpose in the fleet - it was used to tie the reef-season sails when they took reefs. Previously, sailors had never used it to tie together two ropes if the latter were of different thickness or make. It cannot be used to connect two cables that will be subject to strong traction. This knot creeps and is dangerous when it gets wet. After tying the knot, each of its running ends must be secured with a line to the root end.” Elsewhere in his book, Ashley writes: “This knot, used to bind two cables, has claimed more lives than a dozen other knots put together.”

The once famous American sea captain Felix Riesenberg, the author of one of the best textbooks for sailors in English: “Standard Maritime Practice for Merchant Marine Sailors” (New York, 1922) did not speak very enthusiastically about the direct knot. He wrote: “The reef, or straight, knot, as its name indicates, was used for tying reef seasons... This knot is used in many cases, although it can never be reliable enough if its running ends are not tacked. It should not be used for tying ropes for traction. This is a good unit for packing things, packages, etc.”

Unfortunately, many compilers of various manuals and manuals for riggers, builders, firefighters, rock climbers and mountain rescuers still recommend a straight knot for connecting two cables. Try to tie two nylon cables of “approximately the same thickness” with a straight knot and you will immediately see that even with not very strong traction, this knot does not hold, and if you accidentally pull on one of its running ends, it will certainly lead to tragedy.

And finally, finishing our discussion about the direct knot, we note that the most paradoxical thing here is that the ancient Romans called it a “female knot”, because it was "Hercules' knot" young Roman women tied the sashes of their tunics on their wedding night. The young husband had to untie this knot. And, according to legend, if he did it quickly, the bride was not in danger of infertility.

Rice. 25. Straight knot
A - the usual method of knitting; b - sea ​​knitting method;
V - weaving method of knitting; G - sea ​​way of untying

Thief's Knot(Fig. 26). At first glance, it is almost no different from a straight knot (see Fig. 25) and it seems that it is akin to it. But if you look closely, it becomes clear that the running ends of the thief's knot come out of it diagonally. The thief's knot, like the woman's and mother-in-law's knots, are shown for clarity, to emphasize their similarities and differences with the straight knot. It is not recommended to use these four knots, as they are unreliable for connecting two cables.

The origin of the name “thief's knot” is curious. It appeared on English warships at the beginning of the 17th century. The theft of royal property and the theft of personal belongings of sailors on British ships were considered commonplace. In those years, sailors on warships stored their simple belongings and food, mainly in the form of biscuits, in small canvas bags. Naturally, the bag cannot be locked, it can only be tied. As a rule, sailors tied their personal bags with a straight knot. The thieves, mostly recruits who were not yet accustomed to the starvation ship rations, having stolen other people's biscuits, could not correctly tie the knot with which the bag was tied. They knitted something similar - a knot that the sailors began to call a thief's knot. There is a second version about the origin of this name: to prove the act of theft from a bag, the owner deliberately tied a knot very similar to a straight one, and the thief, not paying attention to the catch, tied the robbed bag with a straight knot. But be that as it may, the origin of the node, as well as its name, are associated with the fleet.

Rice. 26. Thief's knot

Surgical knot(Fig. 27). As already described at the beginning of this book, knots have long been used for various purposes not only in maritime affairs, but also in medicine. They are still used by surgeons to tie ligature threads to stop bleeding and to stitch tissue and skin. Nowadays, medicine has not yet abandoned the use of nodes, and doctors skillfully use them. During abdominal operations, surgeons have to apply sutures made of catgut (a special material obtained from the mucous layer of the intestines of a ram or sheep), which resolves after 3-4 weeks. When tying, the catgut slips, and when making knots on it, surgeons use special clamps.

During microsurgical operations, doctors use extremely thin suture material - a synthetic thread 10-200 times thinner than a human hair. Such a thread can only be tied using special clamps under an operating microscope. These threads are used when stitching the walls of blood vessels, for example, when replanting fingers, or when stitching individual nerve fibers. Mainly used are woman's, straight, bleached, surgical knots and the so-called “constrictor” knot, which will be discussed later.

When tying a surgical knot, first make two half-knots one after the other with two ends, which are then pulled in different directions. Then another half-knot is tied on top, but in the other direction. The result is a knot very similar to a straight one. The principle of the knot is that the first two half-knots prevent the two ends from moving apart while another half-knot is knitted on top.

This knot is convenient to use when there is a need to tighten and tie some elastic bale or burden with a rope and the tightened first half of the knot on the rope, without letting go of its ends, has to be pressed with your knee.

Academic node(Fig. 28). It is very similar to a surgical knot, differing only in that instead of one second half-knot, it has two of them. It differs from its, so to speak, progenitor - the direct knot - in that the running end of the cable is wrapped around the running end of another cable twice, after which the running ends are led towards each other and wrapped around them twice again. In other words, there are two half-knots at the bottom and two half-knots at the top, but tied in the opposite direction. This gives the academic knot the advantage that when the load on the cable is high, it does not tighten as much as a straight knot and is easier to untie in the usual way.

Rice. 28. Academic node

Flat knot(Fig. 29). The name “flat knot” came into our maritime language from French. It was first introduced into his “Dictionary of Marine Terms” by the famous French shipbuilder Daniel Lascales in 1783. But the knot was, of course, known to sailors of all countries long before that. We don’t know what it was called before. It has long been considered one of the most reliable knots for tying cables of different thicknesses. They even tied anchor hemp ropes and mooring lines.

Having eight weaves, the flat knot never gets too tight, does not creep, and does not damage the cable, since it does not have sharp bends, and the load on the cables is distributed evenly over the knot. After removing the load on the cable, this knot is easy to untie.

The principle of a flat knot lies in its shape: it is really flat, and this makes it possible to select the cables connected with it on the drums of capstans and windlasses, on the lashes of which its shape does not interfere with the even placement of subsequent hoses.

In maritime practice, there are two options for tying this knot: a loose knot with its free running ends tacked to the main or half-bayonets at their ends (Fig. 29.a) and without such a tack when the knot is tightened (Fig. 29.b). A flat knot tied in the first way (in this form it is called “ Josephine knot") on two cables of different thicknesses almost does not change its shape even with very high traction and is easily untied when the load is removed. The second tying method is used for tying thinner cables than anchor and mooring ropes, and of the same or almost the same thickness. In this case, it is recommended to first tighten the tied flat knot by hand so that it does not twist during a sharp pull. After this, when a load is applied to the connected cable, the knot creeps and twists for some time, but when it stops, it holds firmly. It unties without much effort by shifting the loops covering the root ends.

As already mentioned, a flat knot has eight interlacing cables and it would seem that it can be tied in different ways - there are 2 8 = 256 different options for tying it. But practice shows that not every knot from this number, tied according to the principle of a flat knot (alternating intersection of opposite ends “under and over”), will hold securely. Ninety percent of them are unreliable, and some are even dangerous for tying ropes intended for heavy pulling. Its principle depends on changing the sequence of intersection of connected cables in a flat knot, and it is enough to change this sequence a little, and the knot acquires other - negative qualities.

In many textbooks and reference books on maritime practice, published in our country and abroad, the flat knot is depicted in different ways and in most cases incorrectly. This happens both due to the negligence of the authors and due to the fault of the graphs, which, when redrawing the diagram of a node from the author’s sketches in one color, cannot always make out whether the end goes above or below the other end. Here is given one of the best forms of a flat knot, tested and tested in practice. The author deliberately does not present other acceptable variants of this node so as not to distract the reader’s attention and not give him the opportunity to confuse the diagram of this node with any other. Before using this knot in practice for any important task, you must first remember its diagram exactly and connect the cables exactly according to it without any, even the most minor, deviations. Only in this case will the flat knot serve you faithfully and not let you down.

This marine knot is indispensable for tying two cables (even steel ones, on which significant force will be applied, for example, when pulling out a heavy truck stuck half a wheel in the mud with a tractor).

Rice. 29. Flat Knot:
a - first knitting method: b - second knitting method

Dagger knot(Fig. 30). In foreign rigging practice, this knot is considered one of the best knots for connecting two large-diameter plant cables. It is not very complex in its design and is quite compact when tightened.

It is most convenient to tie it if you first lay the running end of the cable in the form of a number “8” on top of the root end. After this, thread the extended running end of the second cable into the loops, passing it under the middle intersection of the figure eight, and bring it above the second intersection of the first cable. Next, the running end of the second cable must be passed under the root end of the first cable and inserted into the figure eight loop, as indicated by the arrow in the diagram in Fig. 30. When the knot is tightened. the two running ends of both cables stick out in different directions. The dagger knot is easy to untie if you loosen one of the outer loops.

Rice. 30. Dagger knot

“Herbal” knot(Fig. 31). Despite its name, this elementary unit is quite reliable and can withstand heavy loads. In addition, it can be easily untied in the absence of traction. The principle of the knot is half bayonets with other ends (Fig. 31, i). Sometimes we have to tie two belts or two ribbons, well, let's say, reins. For this purpose, the “grass” knot is very convenient (Fig. 31, b). It can be tied by slightly changing the “mother-in-law” knot (see Fig. 24) or starting with half bayonets, as shown in the diagram (see Fig. 31, A). When you tighten the “grass” knot by the root ends, the knot twists and takes on a different shape. When it is completely tightened, the two running ends point in the same direction.

Rice. 31. "Grass" knot:
a - the first method of knitting; b - second knitting method

Packet node(Fig. 32). Its name says , that it is convenient for tying bags and bundles. It is simple, original and designed for quick knitting. The packet knot is somewhat reminiscent of the grass knot. In terms of strength, it is not inferior to the latter.

Fisherman's knot(Fig. 33). In Russia, this node has long had three names - forest, fishing and English. In England it is called English, in America - river or waterway junction.

It is a combination of two simple knots tied with the running ends around the alien root ends. To tie two cables with a fisherman's knot, you need to put them towards each other and make a simple knot with one end, and pass the other end through its loop and around the root end of the other cable and also tie a simple knot. Then you need to move both loops towards each other so that they come together and tighten the knot. The fisherman's knot, despite its simplicity, can be safely used to tie two cables of approximately the same thickness. With strong traction, it is tightened so tightly that it is practically impossible to untie it. It is widely used by fishermen for tying fishing line (not synthetic) and for attaching leashes to fishing line.

Snake knot(Fig. 34). This knot is considered one of the most reliable knots for tying synthetic fishing gear. It has quite a lot of weave, is symmetrical and relatively compact when tightened. With a certain skill, you can even tie the strings of a piano with it. To do this, the place where the string is tied must be thoroughly degreased and coated with shellac.

The snake knot can be successfully used to tie two cables made of any materials when a strong, reliable connection is required.

weaving knot(Fig. 35). In weaving, there are about two dozen original knots for tying up broken threads of yarn and for connecting new spools. The main requirements imposed by the specifics of production on each weaving knot are the speed with which it can be tied, and the compactness of the knot, ensuring the free passage of the thread through the machine. Experienced weavers are truly virtuosos at tying their ingenious knots! They tie up a broken thread in just a second. They have to do this without stopping the machine. Almost all weaving knots are designed primarily for instant tying, so that in the event of a thread breakage, uninterrupted operation of the looms is ensured.

Some of the weaving knots are very similar to sea knots, but differ from the latter in the way they are tied. Several weaving knots have long been borrowed by sailors in their original form and serve them reliably.

The weaving knot shown in Fig. 35, can be called the “sibling” of the clew assembly. The only difference is in the method of tying it and in the fact that the latter is tied into a krengel or into a sail, while the weaving knot is knitted with two cables. The principle of the weaving knot is considered classic. Truly this is the epitome of reliability and simplicity.

Versatile knot(Fig. 36). This knot is similar to a weaving knot in its principle. The only difference is that in a tied knot the running ends point in different directions - this is very important when tying threads of yarn. It is not inferior to a weaver's knot in either simplicity or strength and is tied just as quickly. This knot is also known for the fact that on its basis you can tie the “king of knots” - the bower knot (see Fig. 76).

Rice. 36. Versatile knot

Polish knot(Fig. 37). It can be recommended for tying thin cables. It is widely used in weaving and is considered a reliable knot.

Rice. 37. Polish knot

Clew knot(Fig. 38). It got its name from the word “sheet - a tackle that is used to control the sail, stretching it by one lower corner if it is oblique, and at the same time by two if it is straight and suspended from the yard. The sheets are named after the sail to which they are attached. For example, the fore-sheet and main-sheet are the gear with which the lower sails are set - the foresail and mainsail, respectively. Mars-sheets serve to set topsails, jib-sheets pull back the clew angle of the jib, and fore-jib-sheets pull back the clew angle of the foresail, etc. In the sailing fleet, this knot was used when it was necessary to tie the tackle into the fire sails in the middle, such as topsail-foil-sheet.

The clew knot is simple and very easy to untie, but it fully justifies its purpose - it securely holds the clew in the sail's crest. Tightening tightly does not damage the cable.

The principle of this unit is that the thin running end passes under the main one and, when pulled, is pressed against it in a loop formed by a thicker cable. When using a clew, you should always remember that it holds securely only when traction is applied to the cable. This knot is knitted almost in the same way as a straight one, but its running end is passed not next to the main one, but under it.

The clew knot is best used for attaching a cable to a finished loop, krengel or thimble. It is not recommended to use a clew knot on a synthetic rope, as it slips and can break out of the loop. For greater reliability, the clew knot is knitted with a hose. In this case, it is similar to a clew knot; the difference is that its hose is made higher than the loop on the root part of the cable around the splash. The clew knot is a component of some types of woven fishing nets.

Rice. 38. Clew knot

Brake clew assembly(Fig. 39). Just like the clew knot, it got its name from the name of the gear - the top sheet, which is used to stretch the clew angles of the lower edge of a straight sail when setting the top sails. If a clew knot is used to tie single sheets of the lower sails, then a top-sheet knot is used to tie top-sheets and boom-sheets, top-halyards and boom-bram-halyards, as well as top-sheets.

A clew knot is more reliable than a clew knot because it does not immediately untie when the pull on the cable stops. It differs from a clew knot in that the loop (or krengel) is surrounded by the running end not once, but twice, and is also passed under the main end twice.

In the days of the sailing fleet, the top-sheet knot was widely used when working with gear. It was used when it was necessary to take some kind of gear into the fire, for example, top sheets and top sheets. Usually they were tied into the bram-halle and the topenant of the lower yards.

The clew knot is also reliable for tying two cables of different thicknesses. It holds well on synthetic cables of equal thickness.

Docker node(Fig. 40). In maritime practice, it often becomes necessary to attach a much thinner cable to a thick rope. There is always such a need when a ship is moored to a pier, when one or several mooring lines need to be supplied from the deck. There are several ways to attach the casting end to a mooring line that does not have a light, but the most common is to use a dock knot.

To tie this knot, the running end of the thick cable to which you intend to attach the thin cable must be folded in half. Insert a thin cable into the resulting loop from below, make one run around the root part of the thick cable, pass it under the thin cable, then over the running end of the thick cable and, passing under three cables, insert it into the loop. The docker's knot is reliable enough to use the throwing end to pull (or lift onto the deck from the shore) a heavy mooring line, and it quickly unties. It is best used as a temporary knot.

Rice. 40. Docker node (bottom right - another version of the node)

Furrier's knot(Fig. 41). It seems strange that this wonderful knot, long known to furriers, has still remained unnoticed by sailors. His scheme speaks for itself. It is relatively simple, has sufficiently crossed ends and is compact (Fig. 41, A). In addition, the furrier's knot has an excellent property: designed for strong traction, it is tightly tightened, but also untied without much difficulty. This knot can be successfully used for tying synthetic cables and fishing lines. In Fig. 41, b the second method of knitting it is shown.

Rice. 41. Furrier's knot:
a - the first method of knitting; b - second knitting method

Liana knot(Fig. 42). This knot, although not widely used in the navy, is one of the original and reliable knots for tying cables. It is unique in that, with a very simple interweaving of each end separately, it holds tightly under very strong traction and, moreover, it is very easy to untie after removing the load on the cable - it is enough to move any of the loops along the corresponding root end and the knot immediately falls apart. It does not slip on synthetic fishing line and can be successfully used by anglers.

Rice. 42. Liana knot

Hunting knot(Fig. 43). The invention of a new unit by retired English doctor Edward Hunter in 1979 caused a kind of sensation in maritime circles in many countries. British patent experts, granting Huntsru a patent for his invention, recognized that the unit was truly new. Moreover, it holds perfectly on all lines, including the thinnest synthetic lines.

Essentially, a hunting knot is a successful interweaving of two simple knots tied at the ends of the cables. Dr. Hunter did not pursue the goal of inventing a new knot, but tied it completely by accident.

Since the surname Hunter means “hunter” in English, this node is named here hunting.

Rice. 43. Hunting knot

Knots and how to tie them - it would seem that what’s so complicated about this? After all, we encounter them in everyday life at every step and tie them without even thinking. From early childhood we were taught to tie shoelaces, girls were taught ribbons and bows, then men learned to tie a tie. And then - in everyday life, fishing, on vacation, hunting, in sports or maritime affairs - one way or another, but knots are present everywhere. Let's figure out how to tie knots on a rope correctly and which ones are the strongest.

What are nodes

Knots have existed for a long time; even our distant ancestors used them to create the first tools, clothing, and obtaining food: hunting and fishing. Essentially, a knot is a certain way of weaving ropes, fishing line, ribbons, threads and other things, a way to connect them together or tie them to something by creating a loop.

That is, the nodes have a very long and quite rich history of both application and development. After all, in every business, craft, direction where they were used, they came up with their own types, the most convenient, strong or beautiful, depending on priorities. Such a connection can be woven from a different number of ropes, their different lengths, diameters. They differ in areas of application.

Which ones exist?

Knots can be sea, tourist, mountaineering, hunting or fishing - this is a difference in the scope of their application. For example, there are about seven hundred sea knots alone!

Certain requirements apply to each type. For example, tourist ones, in addition to the fact that they must be strong and simple: they must be easy to remember, easy to tie, not crawl under load, not tighten tightly if this is not necessary.

Of course, it is hardly possible to know how to tie knots on all types of rope, and it is not necessary. This is not available to any person on the planet. It is enough to simply understand how to tie knots on a rope tightly and so that they look presentable.

Of course, you won’t get a good, strong connection or the right loop right away. You need to learn how to tie a strong knot in a rope through practice, not just theory. Although it is also necessary to know the theoretical basis. For example, how to tie a knot at the end of a rope: fold the free edges into a loop, leaving a tail of the length that the knot is needed, thread it through it, and tighten it. The knot at the end of the rope is ready!

What determines the strength of a knot?

How to tie knots on a rope so that they are strong? The answer to this question is simple: firstly, you need to be able to knit them, no matter how trivial it may sound. And secondly, the rope itself must be strong enough for this, otherwise no matter how much knot tying skills you have, it will be of little use.

Any rope, cord or rope and everything from which knots are tied has its own strength characteristic. Moreover, if a rope is used, for example, to tie a tent to a peg or even a boat to a fishing pier, hardly anyone thinks much about the level of its strength. But in some areas of application of knots such inattention is unforgivable, for example, in mountaineering.

One fact is worth considering: any knot somehow makes the rope less strong, for example:

• the figure-eight knot weakens by a quarter;
• bowline - by a third;
• weaving - by 35%.

All other knots make the rope less strong by about the same amount. Also, for the level of strength of both the rope and the knot, it is worth considering the following:

• if it is wet, then its strength decreases by 10%;
• if used in severe frosts (up to 30 degrees), then it becomes less durable by a third;
• Ropes that are dirty, old, have been in the sun for a lot of time, or with damaged braiding lose half their strength.

Application options

Knots are found even in everyday life at every step, and they can be both functional and simply decorative. For example, recently, bracelets or necklaces made from cords, laces and thin ropes tied in beautiful knots have become especially popular.

They are also used to tie two ropes of the same thickness. In tourism, instead of ropes, other materials of different thicknesses can be used. Using a knot, you can tie a wide variety of loops: tightening, climbing, quick-release (aka bow), bowline, or those that are very difficult to untie. Keep in mind that most knots lead to chafing of the rope and also tend to unravel on their own.

Knot

Probably the most famous of all knots. You may not know how to tie it, but everyone has probably heard about it. What is it and how to tie a sea knot on a rope?

First of all, it must be said that there are several sea knots, and each of them has its own name: running simple, reef, bowline, snare, scaffold. All of them are tightening loops, with the help of which the ship was tied to the pier. Their peculiarity is a certain way of knitting and tightening the rope, in which it is stretched, making the knot reliable. And when the rope is loosened, the noose is easy to untie.

The bowline or arbor knot is most often used. There is nothing difficult in learning how to tie it, and such a skill can come in handy at any time. Tie it as follows:

• a small loop is made, a piece of rope of such length as the size of the knot is needed is left in stock;
• this end is threaded through the loop, as when tying a simple knot;
• wraps around the free end of the rope, threads it through the small one and tightens.

For tying two ropes

It happens that it is necessary to tie two or even more ropes together, and also add knots to already tied ropes. There are special loops for these purposes. So, how to tie a knot on a tied rope using a Flemish loop or a counter figure eight, which is one of the oldest, strongest and strongest:

• at the end of an untied rope, make a figure eight from its free edge;
• With the remaining end of the knotted one, they repeat the bends and thread them through them, while tightening the loop.

This knot practically does not weaken the strength of the rope, and is easy to untie if necessary.

Untied knot

Sometimes it is necessary to tie a loop that will not come undone under any circumstances. As a rule, this is one of these considered weaving. So, how to tie a strong knot on a rope that will definitely not come undone at the most inopportune moment? First of all, you need to understand that it is a combination of two knots, which are tied with running ends around the base:

• lay two ropes with ends facing each other;
• make a simple knot at one end;
• pass the end of the other through the loop made on the first, make a turn around its base;
• tie the same simple knot with the second rope;
• move both loops towards each other until they come together;
• Tighten the knot properly.

This is a very strong knot; for all its apparent simplicity, when pulled, it becomes so strong that it seems unlikely to untie it.

Beautiful knot

Of course, not all loops and knots serve exclusively for functional purposes; they are also used to create jewelry: bracelets, necklaces. Knots are also tied simply for good luck, used in macrame techniques, lace making and more.

And this is where knowing how to tie a beautiful knot on a rope comes in handy. But there are quite a lot of such knots, so we’ll tell you about a couple of the easiest and most attractive ones.

Everyone remembers and knows. So, if you intertwine one or more ropes in this way, you get a beautifully tied braid of knots.

Another popular pattern is a woven crown or, using the terminology of the macrame technique, cobra. Used to create textile bracelets, necklaces, baubles, keychains and laces for an umbrella or a dog leash. It is knitted from four ropes as follows:

• connect the ends of the ropes together;
• turn the ends towards you;
• tie a crown knot, making a loop from each rope and pulling the end that lies behind it into it;
• tighten and continue tying knots to the desired length.

The braided crown lace is ready! Now you can close its ends with special caps with a clasp, which can be purchased at a jewelry supply store, and use them as a bracelet or necklace.

Knitting fishing knots and loops is an integral and one of the important parts in fishing science. Probably, every fisherman has had this experience when the bite is interrupted due to poor-quality connection of the equipment elements and not only the long-awaited catch is missed, but also expensive fishing accessories. Such a failure will unsettle even the most “experienced” hunter. It is at such moments that you understand that everything requires quality, accuracy and skill.

In this article, we have selected for you the highest quality and most reliable fishing knots, the technique and knitting of which we will consider in detail.

1. How to tie stopper knots

Material for making locking units:

• wool thread.

Purpose of the locking unit– set the bait or equipment elements to the required depth.

Application area– float fishing using a sliding float when fishing over long distances.

Requirements for a sliding float stopper:

• must determine the required depth of descent of the float for fishing, and securely fixing it on the fishing line;
• the fastening of the locking unit must be movable, but without independent movement;
• the knot must pass freely through the gear rings;
• should not deform the main fishing line.

Stopping units are prepared immediately before the fishing process on site. Before you start tying a knot, you need to first moisten the fishing line (with water or saliva) so that it does not heat up during the process and thereby weaken the knot itself.

"Single knot"
For knitting you will need a 15 or 20 centimeter piece (of wool thread)

Node linking scheme

Knot “Double” or “kremkus”
This knotted design requires folding the fishing line in half

Knot “Stop Clinch” or “clinch knot”

Knot "Bud" or "button knot"
In order to learn how to correctly knit this type of locking knot, we suggest watching this video

How to make loops correctly, see the diagram

The blanks for forming the connection are nodes called “surgical”.

Training video for beginner fishermen from the channel “FishingVideoUkraine”

Look at the diagram and don’t make mistakes!

Knot “Blood Ties” or “blood knot”
Other English names for this node:

• attach knot;
• fisherman's bend knot.

To tie this type of knot, fishing lines with a difference in diameter of no more than 30% are used.

The advantage of this unit is not only its strength, but also its compactness, so that it can easily pass through the rod's guides. The disadvantage is that it is labor intensive and requires skill to perform.

We align the free ends of the two threads with each other. Then we make 5 revolutions relative to each other. We pull one end of the thread back and drag it under the first turn. We perform a similar manipulation with the second end.

Double Sliding Knot
This unit can be made as a connecting element of two, or a monofilament with. However, the diameters of the material used should not differ by more than 50%. A fairly strong knot, it has an advantage over a blood knot.

And here is the execution diagram of this node

3. How to tie knots to connect monofilament line and braid

• wetting the cord.

It is known that one of the disadvantages of braided fishing line is its ability to become flat after several times of use. Therefore, when forming a node, you need to take this into account. You should also know that the strength of the knot is also affected by the thickness of the cord; the thicker it is, the weaker the knot is.

Shock Leader knot
The knot is not large and can easily slide through the rings of the rod, which gives it an advantage in use in many types of fishing.

This video clearly shows the order of execution of the node

Knot "Mahin leader knot" or "carrot"
This is a reliable and compact knot, suitable for spinning rods, feeders and carp rods. Excellent fastening and from or. When fishing, it is perfect for tying a shock leader.

If vases have difficulty tying this knot, watch this video from V. Nikolaev

Albright node
When it comes to quality, we mean a universal unit for fishing with various tackles. If you are exclusively engaged in spinning fishing and you need to tie a thin fishing line and braided cord or fasten a leash, then by all means use this tying method. But do not neglect the main rule of tying fishing lines - the fishing lines should not have a strong difference in diameter!

For float fishing, the knot is used instead when its presence is not appropriate, since particularly delicate elements of equipment are used and the swivel spoils everything with its bulkiness.

4. How to tie knots for a hook without an eye (with a spatula)

In this section we will introduce you to simple and complex installations of knots for hooks with a spatula. These hooks are available in small sizes.

It is difficult to make a knot on hooks of this type, since the execution process requires a certain skill and accuracy. The line should lie tightly and evenly on the fore-end, without layers layering on top of each other. It is very important after the process is completed that the fishing line is on the side of the hook and is thus a continuation of its shank. We also recommend applying a little glue to the assembly to maintain the reliability of the structure.

Knot "Universal"
Line material used:

Suitable for crocheting both with and without eye hooks.

Knot "Ailite" or "eyelet knot"
V. Nikolaev in his next video will continue to introduce you to the rules of tying knots. We present to your attention a mount called “Ailit”

Trombone Loop Knot
Other node names:

• trombone loop;
• spade end knot;
• sliding bait loop.

This knot fits well from monofilament and braid. Can be used on various types of hooks.

Instructions for implementation:

1. We take the fishing line and fold it in half, so that the tails of the fishing line are parallel to the blade of the hook.
2. We make a small loop, leaving the tip of the fishing line about 15 cm long.
3. We attach a hook to the end of the fishing line, so that its tip is parallel, and press it with our fingers.
4. Next, we begin to wrap the hook shank several times with the working end of the fishing line.
5. We carefully thread the end of the fishing line into the resulting loop, moisten it with saliva or water and cut off all excess.

An example of making a “trombone loop” from V. Nikolaev

Knot “Outer loop winding” or “trombone loop”
The only rule when making this type of knot is that the tighter you pull the line, the stronger the knot will be.

5. The best knots for connecting the hook and swivels

Before considering the most reliable fishing knots in this category, we note that we do not recommend tying fishing line to hooks or rings made of thinner material (wire) than the fishing line itself, as this will negatively affect the quality and reliability of the knot.

Knot "Palomar" or "palomar"
Application area:

• a bunch of main fishing thread with;
• for tying fishing line and hook;
• for attaching a weight, etc.;
• for attaching to a leash or fishing line.

Flaw– you need to fold the fishing line in half, which increases the knot’s volume and shortens the leash.

Node advantage:

• a bunch of not only , but also baits used both in spinning fishing and fishing with feeder gear;
• the ability to attach many equipment elements (front sights, etc.);
• easy to knit.

Classic Palomar

"Double Palomar" fits like this

Triple Palomar Knot involves mounting fishing accessories and lures with a large eye to a braided fishing line. This is how the knot is tied

Palomar drop shot knot

Knot “Clinch” or “improved clinch knot”
Let's consider two types of this node:

• normal clinch;
• clinch reinforced.

This knot is widely used, but has proven itself especially well in spinning fishing. The first version of the knot is used mainly for mounting sinkers, since it is inferior in strength to the “reinforced” knot, which cannot handle even the most complex hooks.

Scope of application: artificial baits, weights, hooks, sinkers, feeders, .

Where such a node is not used:

• for mounting sinkers with a transverse or longitudinal hole;
• for mounting tubes and factory rings.

Important! The size of the ear of the above accessories should not be more than 1.2 mm, since at diameters above the specified indicator the knot does not hold securely.

Learning to knit an improved knot model

Homer knot or homer knot

The knot tying pattern is shown in detail in this video.

Grinner knot or universal Uni knot
This knot is also known as "Uni" or ukni not. Uni means universal.

What is knitted with a universal knot:
Figure Eight Knot
This fishing knot is designed to attach both hooks with and without an eye. It is also suitable for making mobile loops, tying feeders, sinkers, etc. In a word, it has wide application and can be used anywhere.

It is not complicated in execution and is suitable for beginner fishermen.

This knot can have several weaving options, for example, by folding the fishing line in two you will get a double figure eight.

6. How to tie knots for wobblers

Before you start attaching to the fishing line, you need to keep in mind that some of the small wobblers are very delicately balanced and any extra fishing accessory (leash, clasp) can significantly affect the performance of the bait. Therefore, for each you need to choose your own method of attaching to the fishing line.

Knot "Tight loop" or "homer-rhode loop knot"

Knitting this knot can be applied not only to fastening.

Knot "Rapala" or "rapala knot"
A knot recommended by the bait manufacturer himself.

Knot “With a blind loop” or “compound knot”
This knitting method is not suitable for fishing lines with a small diameter. It is better to use braided, Kevlar or fluorocarbon leashes.

1. The knot does not like strong (excessive) tightening, since it is in this “tightened” state that it weakens.
2. If you don't wet the knot, you'll get a break.
3. The knot may become loose and the line may slip out if not tightened enough.
4. Untying can occur due to the tip of the fishing line being too short, which is cut after making the knot. Always leave a small piece of line.
5. In order to tie the leash as efficiently as possible, dip it in warm water, this will warm it up and become more elastic.

8. Useful links

The article used materials from the book “The Most Reliable Fishing Knots” by author A.A. Okunevsky.

There are many types of knots invented by man. Their number is measured in hundreds. Only a small part of them is used in the macrame technique. By combining and repeating types of knots, you can create almost anything you imagine - a bracelet, a flowerpot, a talisman, and even a button.

Simple (loop, round, “kalach”) knot

A simple knot can be right or left.

Left simple knot

To make a simple knot, attach (pin) the end of the thread to the pillow. Pull the thread with your right hand. The knot should be where the hand is. Place the other end of the thread over the stretched side from left to right to create a loop. Then thread the end of the thread through the loop from bottom to top and tighten the knot. Then continue as well.

The right simple knot is performed in the same way, only the loop is formed on the right side of the stretched thread (Fig. 1).

Fig.1 Simple node

Figure Eight Knot

To make a figure eight knot, pin the end of the thread to the pillow. Bring the lower end of the thread over the middle part from left to right so that you get a loop on the left side. Then wrap the end around the middle part of the thread and insert it into the loop from top to bottom, tighten the knot (Fig. 2).

Rice. 2 Figure eight knot

Tie (Slovak, fastening) knot

Fold the thread in half and pin it onto the weaving cushion. The left thread will be a knot thread, and the right thread will be a working thread. Place the working thread across the knot thread and pinch the intersection. Next, you need to bring the working thread under both threads at the intersection a little upward. Next, pass down into the loop. Pull the ends and tighten the knot (Fig. 3).

Rice. 3 Tie knot

Armenian (combined, fist, sliding) knot

Fold the thread in half and pin it onto the weaving cushion. The left thread will be a knot thread, and the right thread will be a working thread. The working thread must be placed on the stretched left thread from right to left. Then wrap the end around both threads and thread it into the resulting loop from top to bottom. Tighten the loop by pulling both ends (Figure 4).

Rice. 4 Armenian knot

Loop knot (“horizon”)

The loop knot can be right or left (depending on which thread is working). Left and right nodes are mirror images of each other. Typically, left knots are performed with the left hand, and right knots with the right.

The left loop knot can be performed in two ways. With the first method, fold the thread in half, and the left end of the thread should be 2 times longer than the right, and secure it to the weaving cushion. The right thread is knotted, the left is working. Pull the knotted thread and place the working thread on it. Then make a loop of the working thread around the knot thread and pull it over the working thread. Tighten the resulting knot. The remaining knots should be woven in the same way, without letting go of the knotted thread.

In the second method, place the working thread under the knot thread. Go around it and release it under the working thread.

The right loop knot is performed in exactly the same way as the left one. The only difference is the reversal of the working and knotted threads. The right thread is the working thread. It should be longer. The left thread is knotted, shorter than the right thread (Fig. 5).

Rice. 5 Loop knot

Tatting knot

The tatting knot consists of two loop knots, and can also be right and left. To perform it, you need to fold the thread so that one end is 8 times longer than the other, while the short thread will be knotted. Pull the knotted thread and make a loop knot with the working thread. Then place the working thread under the knot thread and perform the left loop knot in the second way. Using the working thread, go around the knot thread from bottom to top and pull it out from under the working thread.

The right tatting knot is performed in exactly the same way as the left one, from two right loop knots. The left thread should be a knot thread, and the right thread should be a working thread (Fig. 6).

Rice. 6. Tatting knot

Hercules knot (straight, “flat without base”)

To complete this knot you will need 2 threads. Place one of them horizontally on the weave cushion. Place the second thread on it, going around the first. Lower the ends of the threads from opposite sides - half of the knot is ready. Then lay the first thread horizontally again and go around it with the second thread. Bring the ends down. Next, tighten the knot by taking the ends of the threads on one side in one hand, and the ends of the threads on the other side in the other. This knot can be done with a crossbar on the left side and with a crossbar on the right side. Both threads should be of equal length (Fig. 7).

Rice. 7 Hercules Knot

Single flat knot (oblique, helical)

Depending on which thread to start the knot with, it can be right or left. You will need 2 threads, folded in half. One end of each thread should be 4 times longer than the second end. Place short threads in the middle, long ones at the edges. Secure them to the weave cushion. The middle threads are knotted, the outer threads are working threads. Bend the left working thread at a right angle and place it on the knotted threads. Place the right working thread over the left one, then under the knot threads. After which it must be pulled out of the loop formed by the first thread. Pull both working threads in different directions. In this case, the knotted threads must also be tightened. The right single knot is performed in exactly the same way, the only difference is that it begins with the right working thread (Fig. 8).

Rice. 8. Single flat knot

Double flat knot (square, hunting, or yagdtashny)

The double flat knot is one of the main ones in macrame. Take 2 threads and fold them in half so that one end of each thread is 4-6 times shorter than the other. Pin all the threads on the weave cushion. The short sides of both threads should be in the middle - these are knotted threads, the long sides (these are working threads) - along the edges. First, make a left single flat knot, immediately below it weave a right single knot - the double flat knot is ready. Tighten all threads well. The finished unit has a vertical crossbar visible on the left side. This knot can also be started with a right single knot. In this case, the vertical crossbar will be on the right side. This will help determine which working thread should be used to weave the next knot. Always start weaving a new knot with the thread that comes out from under the vertical crossbar of the previous knot. The nodes must be counted along the vertical bars on one side (Fig. 9).

Rice. 9 Double flat knot: 1) left-handed; 2) right-handed

Picot of double flat knots

Secure two doubled threads to the pillow. The short ends of both threads should be in the middle. Place the long ends along the edges of the short ones. Tie one square knot. Then place a piece of cardboard 2-3 cm wide under the square knot on the threads and tie the next square knot. Remove the cardboard and pull the knot up towards the previous knot, pulling the knotted threads tight. The loose threads form two loops on the sides of the knot, which are called picot (Fig. 10).

Rice. 10. Double flat knot picot

Common double flat knot

Traditional double flat knots are woven from four threads: two knot threads and one working thread on both sides. Sometimes it happens that this knot has to be made from more threads. In this case, a common knot is woven, dividing all the threads into three bundles: a knot and two bundles of working threads. Both bundles of working threads must be the same, otherwise the overall knot will turn out uneven. Very often the quantities of all threads are written in numbers, for example 2-4-2. This means that the knot must be made of eight threads: two working threads on both sides and four knotted threads in the middle.

Gourmet knot (triple flat knot)

Pin two threads, folded in half, with unequal ends, to the weaving cushion. Place the short ends of both threads in the middle, the long ends at the edges. First tie one left single flat knot, then the same right one and again the left one - the “gourmet” knot is ready (Fig. 19).

Rice. 11. Gourmet knot

Flat complex knot

It is made of six threads. Fold the three strands in half and pin them to the weave cushion. Make a double flat knot on the four strands in the middle. Then you need to tie a double flat knot on all six threads. It should not be tightened too much - this will make it more prominent. Underneath it, make another double flat knot of four middle threads (Fig. 12).

Rice. 12. Flat complex knot

Rep knot

Rep knots are used to create both openwork and dense fabric. Rows of rep knots are called brids. They are horizontal, vertical and diagonal. This depends on the direction of the knotted thread. Rep knots can be performed both from left to right and from right to left. Attach four threads to the braiding cushion. Place the leftmost thread horizontally on top of the remaining threads. At the turning point, secure the thread with a pin - this is the basis for the rest of the threads. Throw the second thread to the left and up. After which it must be thrown over the base and pulled down and slightly to the left. Then pass the same thread on the right through the warp and thread the end of the thread into the loop formed. Pull the first knot and tighten the second, bringing it close to the first. The rep knot is ready (Fig. 13). To get a brid, tie the remaining threads on the base in the same way.

Rice. 13. Rep knot

Extended rep knot

This knot is used to make a dense bridle. To perform it, it is necessary to make an additional turn around the main thread after the first turn. Then make a second turn from top to bottom and thread the end of the thread into the loop of the working thread (Fig. 14).

Rice. 14. Extended rep knot

To create diagonal or vertical brids, position the warp thread diagonally or vertically in the desired direction.

Pioneer knot

The pioneer knot is the reverse side of the rep knot. It is used in exactly the same way as a rep knot. Fold the two threads in half and secure them to the weaving cushion. Place the left outer thread at an angle of 90° and horizontally under the rest of the threads - this is the base.

Wrap the next thread around the warp from right to left and from bottom to top. Then lower it down and make another turn from bottom to top and from right to left. Tighten the knot by pulling the threads.

You can perform this knot from right to left in the same way.

You will get crosses on the main thread (Fig. 15).

Rice. 15. Pioneer knot

Chinese knots (as some types of complex knots are called)

Chinese knots are made from a single thread.

Clover leaf knot (flower knot)

According to Chinese belief, such a knot brings good luck.

fasten the end of the thread to the bottom of the weaving pillow and place it strictly vertically.

At a distance the size of the knot, turn the thread and guide it down to the first end. Pin the top fold of the thread with a pin. Fold the thread at an acute angle and, having reached the middle of the previous segment, stretch it perpendicularly, first above the thread, then under the first thread. Form a horizontal loop and thread the yarn through the first loop. Then go around the top of the knot and bring the thread down and up again. In this case, it must be inside the horizontal loop. Point the thread down, then thread it through the last loop and pull it horizontally under all the vertical threads, turn and place it over the first two threads. Then thread through the last loop and lower the end of the thread down. At the final stage of work, tighten the knot by pulling the threads in different directions (Fig. 16).

Rice. 16. Clover leaf knot

True Love Knot (Swastika, Virtue Knot)

Fold the thread in half and attach it to the weaving cushion at the fold, with the loop facing up. Place the right end of the thread over it, then go around it from top to bottom and thread it through the resulting loop. Pull the left end of the thread from bottom to top through the loop formed by the right end, bring it under the thread and thread it into the resulting loop from top to bottom. Tighten the knot according to the arrows (Fig. 17).

Rice. 17 True Love Knot

Cross knot

This type of knot is woven on two threads of different colors. Place the threads vertically on the pillow and pin their upper ends with pins. Then place the left thread on the right, make a turn around it, form a horizontal loop and place it under the right thread. Pull the right thread under all the loops of the left thread up, then go around the top loop of the left thread, pointing the thread down, and pass it through the bottom loop of the left thread. Tighten the knot by pulling all ends at once (Fig. 18).

Rice. 18. Cross knot

Flower Knot

The flower knot symbolizes well-being. It is made from a single thread. Place it vertically on the weave cushion.

Bend the upper end of the thread to the right and down, then pull it under the thread, make a loop on the left side and place it on the thread. Then point to the right and slightly up and form a loop from top to bottom.

Then pass the end through all the threads, pointing it to the left and up. Go around the intersection of all the loops and make a loop on the right side at the bottom. Bring the end up under the right loop and through the top loop. Bring this end down. Half of the knot is completed.

Bring the other end of the thread up, threading it through two loops on the left side. Go around the top left loop and through the bottom left loop, over the other end of the thread, and through the bottom right loop from top to bottom. Then pull it under the end of the thread and insert it from the bottom up from the left side into two loops at once - the bottom and the middle.

Next, pull the thread through the center of the knot to the top right loop, thread it through it from top to bottom. Pull the end back through the knot under the threads and into the bottom left loop. Then tighten the knot by pulling all the loops (Fig. 19).

Rice. 19. Flower knot

Button knot

This knot is often used in the manufacture of various items of jewelry. It is often used together with beads. Fold the thread in half and secure with the ends facing up in the middle of the braiding cushion. Form a loop at each end of the thread. Both loops should face each other.

Rice. 20. “Button” knot: 1) execution diagram; 2) general view

Place the ends of the thread down. Pass the lower left end of the thread under the right end and thread it from bottom to top into the right loop, then into the center loop. Pull the right end of the thread up, going around the knot, thread it through the left loop from top to bottom, then pull it out of the bottom right loop and point it to the right. Pull the first end of the thread through the center of the knot and pull it out near the second end of the thread. Tighten the knot by pulling the ends and the loop on the other side (Fig. 28).

The button knot has several varieties.

"Double button" This knot can be done in two ways. In the first case, you need to put two threads together and make a knot according to the usual pattern. In the second case, the knot should be formed according to the usual pattern once, then this knot should be made again with the same thread.

"Sliding button" Knitted around another thread. The slip button knot will slide along this thread.

"Flat button" When making this knot, you should pull the ends in different directions when tightening.

Luck Knot

The making of this knot is slightly different from others in that here you need to work with loops, and not with the ends of the threads. It can be made from more petals than shown in the picture. It consists of the two previous nodes.

Fold the thread in half and secure it to the weaving cushion in the shape of a cross. The ends of the thread should point down. The double ends must be at least 15 cm long. Lift the lower end of the cross up, place it on the right end and pin it. There should be a loop at the bottom. Direct the right end of the cross to the left and place it on the upper end. Secure with pins. Then bend it to the left and point the top end down. It should lie on the left end. Point the left end down, placing it at the top end and the loop from the bottom end. All ends are bent in a circle in one direction - this is the first part of the knot. Then perform the second part of the node, repeating all previous steps. The second knot should be on top of the first. Tighten all the knots and align the petals (Fig. 21).

Rice. 21. Luck Knot

Double knot

This knot looks the same on both sides. It is often made from threads of different colors. Fold the thread in half and place it on the pillow with the loop facing up. The short end should be on the right side. Place the short end under the thread, wrap around both threads and bring it into the resulting loop. Wrap the second end of the thread around the first end, lift it up from the left side and thread it into the loop from the bottom up, lower it into the resulting bottom loop. Tighten the knot by pulling both ends and the top loop (Fig. 22).

Rice. 22. Double knot

Ceiling assembly (well)

It owes its name to the fact that it resembles fragments of ceilings in temples and palaces in China. Place the thread vertically on the braiding pad. Bend the upper end and place it on the pillow on the right side of the thread with the loop facing up.

Rice. 23. Ceiling assembly: 1) execution diagram; 2) general view

Then pull the top end under the thread, make a loop on the left side, return to the right side and put it on both threads, loop the first thread from top to bottom and pull the end under the threads to the right side. Then go around the nearest thread and lower the end down. Pull the other end of the thread to the right, insert it into the loop formed by the first end, lower it down and put it on the other end of the thread. Next, pull the thread through both loops on the left side and under the top loop. Then lower it down onto the nearest thread and thread it through the loop on the right side from top to bottom, pull it horizontally over the thread and thread it through the loop from top to bottom. Then pull it into the middle and lower it down parallel to the first end. Tighten the knot according to the arrows (Fig. 23).

Snake knot

This node, like the snake, according to the eastern horoscope, brings good luck and protects treasures. Very often it is used to create a beautiful cord. Attach two threads to the pillow, maybe in different colors. They should be positioned vertically and parallel to each other. Using the right thread, form a loop around the left one. Then use the left thread to make a loop around the right thread and pull the end through the loop formed by the right thread. Loosely tighten the knot. Then, slightly loosening the loop formed by the left thread, thread the end of the right thread into it from top to bottom. Tighten the knot and turn it over to the other side. Pass the right end of the thread under the left thread, wrap it around it and thread it into the second loop formed by the second thread. Tighten the knot and turn the weave over. Make the next knots in exactly the same way, each time turning the threads over to the other side (Fig. 24).

Rice. 24. Snake knot

Mystic knot

This knot symbolizes the secrets of the Universe and brings good luck. It is complex, so you need to study the diagram well before executing it.

Pin a thread 3 m long in the middle onto a weaving cushion. Make a vertical loop with each end of the thread. With the right end of the thread, make a loop from top to bottom and thread it through all the vertical loops. The thread should go under and over the vertical threads. Pin it where it comes out of the loops. Turn the end of the thread 180°, forming a loop, and also bring it through the vertical threads back to the right side. Pin the thread at the exit point. There should be one horizontal loop. Then form another horizontal loop in the same way as the first, using the same end of the thread.

Place the left end of the thread on the top of the knot, thread it through the rightmost loop and pull it under all the threads. Pin where the thread is folded. Next, bring the same end to the right under the long horizontal loop and repeat all the previous steps again, bringing the end of the thread to the left side at the bottom of the knot. Using the left end of the thread, make two vertical loops inside the knot, wrapping around all the threads. When you pull the thread up, it should go under one thread, over three threads, then under one again, and under three threads again. When the thread goes down, it must pass under two threads, over one thread, under three threads and under one thread. This sequence must be strictly followed. Tighten the knot by pulling the loops and loose ends (Fig. 25).

Rice. 25. Mystical knot

Extended Mystic Knot

This knot is a type of mystical knot. It has an elongated shape. Pin a 2 m long thread in the middle onto the weaving cushion. Form 3 vertical loops with each end of the thread (Fig. 26).

Rice. 26. Extended mystical knot

Pull the right end of the thread to the left through all six loops, then make a loop and return it back to the right side. Place the left end of the thread horizontally on all the vertical threads, go around the last vertical loop and return it back to the left side, pulling under all the threads. The result is another horizontal loop. Using the right end of the thread, make another vertical loop of a smaller size inside each vertical loop. Bring the end of the thread down in the middle of the knot. In this case, the end of the thread, when pulled up, should pass under one thread, then over three threads.

When moving down, the thread should pass under two threads, over one thread and under one thread.

Using the left end of the thread, make three more similar loops in the direction from the left edge to the middle. Then, pull the outer loops and ends of the threads to tighten the knot.

Lotus knot

Place two 50 cm long threads crosswise on the weaving cushion. Pin the intersection of the threads with a pin. Weaving must be done counterclockwise. Fold the bottom end over and form a loop. Place it on the right end. Make a loop from the right end and place it on the top end. Place the loop from the top end on the right and left ends. Place the left loop at the top end and insert it into the loop formed by the right end. Then tighten the knot by pulling all ends at once. If you weave further without changing direction, you will get a round “lotus” cord. If after each knot the direction of the thread is changed, the cord will become tetrahedral (Fig. 27).

Rice. 27. Lotus knot

Decorative knots

Decorative knots are used both in the products themselves and separately as room decoration. These knots are also called braided knots. They do not require fixation: they are held by intertwined threads. They were used in ancient times and decorated weapons, mirrors, clothing items, and wallets. They loved to decorate products with such knots in Rus'.

Happiness Knot

The knot of happiness is considered the most ancient. He is known in many countries. To perform it, you need to fold a 1 m long thread in half and place it on a weaving cushion with the loop facing up.

Rice. 28. Happiness Knot

Fold the right end of the thread into a loop, place it on the thread on the left side closer to the middle. Also fold the left end into a loop, place it over the right end and place it under the thread on the right side. Next, wrap the right end around the thread and thread it through the right loop from top to bottom. Turn the left end down in the same way and thread it through the left loop. The knot frame is ready. Repeat the last two movements to obtain a knot of the desired size (Fig. 28).

Turkish knot

This is a puzzle knot. It was often used in folk festivals, offering to untie. Only the most dexterous could complete this task. Some historians believe that this is the famous Gordian knot.

The knot itself consists of four loops intertwined. Fold a 1 m long thread in half. The right end should be slightly longer than the left. Pin it to the pillow with the loop facing up. Form a loop from the left end, pointing the end from the bottom up, and place the right end on the loop. Place the right end over the first, form a loop and pass under the left thread of the top loop. Then place the right loop on the top thread, pull it out from under the right end thread and thread it through the right loop. Align all three loops. Then use the long left end to form a bottom loop. Thread this end from the bottom up into the right loop and bring it through the center and the top loop. Repeat all steps with the long end of the thread several times. The node is ready.

You can make a ball out of it by placing the blunt tip of a pencil in the center of the knot. Then crimp all the edges and loops around it. Remove the pencil and tighten the ends of the thread, giving the knot the shape of a ball (Fig. 29).

Rice. 29. Turkish knot

Tree of Life node

This knot was used to decorate women's clothing, as our ancestors believed that the tree of life is the eternal continuation of life on earth. Fold a 1 m long thread in half and pin it to the weaving cushion with the loop facing up. Form a loop by placing the left end over the right and pull the left end under the threads from the bottom up and to the left. Pull the other end up and to the right, thread it through the center loop and bring it above the thread on the right side. Bring the left end of the thread down, pulling it through the left loop, over the top thread of the loop and under the bottom thread. Repeat this movement with the right end of the thread, passing it through the right loop under the top thread of the loop and out over the bottom thread of the loop. You will get the frame of the node. Repeat all the movements to form a knot with two threads of different colors (Fig. 30).

Rice. 30. Tree of life knot

Josephine Knot

The node is not independent. It should be added to some fragment. Beautiful chains are often made from this knot. It is easier to make it on a bunch of threads than on one. The knot consists of two loops intertwined.

Fold a 50 cm long thread in half and secure it to the weaving cushion with the loop facing up. From the left end of the thread, form a loop from the bottom up and place it on the right end. Place the right end on the left, turn and bring it under the left thread. Pull to the right through the center of the knot and insert into the right loop from top to bottom. Align all loops. A knot on a bundle of threads must be performed in exactly the same way as on a single thread (Fig. 31). If the threads get tangled, straighten them with a knitting needle.

Rice. 31. Josephine Knot

Turban knot

This knot should be woven on any cylindrical object: pencil, pen, finger. After the knot is ready, it must be removed from the object and the ends of the thread hidden inside.

Throw the thread around the base for weaving and make one turn from left to right.

Then use the left end of the thread to form a loop and place it on the thread. Insert the right end of the thread into this loop from bottom to top.

Moreover, the right end should lie on top of the bottom thread of the loop and under the central thread. Then pass the same end through the loop between the left end and the center thread from the bottom up and bring it out again to the right side, passing it under the center thread.

Then lower this end down, threading it under the lower right loop. On the contrary, lift the second end up, passing it through the same loop.

Repeat all movements several times until a knot of the desired size is formed (Fig. 32).

Rice. 32. Turban knot

Monkey fist knot

This is a knot that resembles a ball. This knot can be performed in two ways. Make several turns of 1 m long thread around two fingers. Then, using the end of a thread at least 10 cm long, make three vertical turns from top to bottom around the horizontal ones. Then remove the knot from your fingers and wrap the same end around it three times, pulling the end into the same places where your fingers were. Both ends should be on the same side. The node is ready.

In the second case, you also need to wrap the thread around your fingers. Then remove it from your hand and make several transverse turns around the thread with the first end. The second end must be wound around the transverse turns and passed inside the first turns (Fig. 33).

Rice. 33. “Monkey fist” knot: 1) execution diagram: a) first method; b) second method; 2) general view

Japanese knot

The Japanese knot is one of the most beautiful macrame knots, which is why it is often used in making jewelry.

Fold thick threads 60–70 cm long in half and pin them to the weaving pillow. Then weave them into a double flat knot. The vertical crossbar should be on the left side. Next, lay out the working threads in the form of a circle along the marked line and pin them with pins. Using knotted threads, make loop knots on the working threads. Then connect the knotted threads with a Herculean knot in the center of the circle to the crossbar on the left side. Once again make loop knots on the working threads. At the last stage of work, secure the entire circle with a double flat knot with a crossbar on the left side (Fig. 34).

Rice. 34. Japanese knot

Sea rug knot

This knot is made up of braids with different numbers of weaves. Braids were invented by sailors during their long journeys. The beginning of weaving is the same as the Turkish knot. Fold a 1.5 m long thread in half and secure it to the pillow with the loop facing up. Make two side loops as in a Turkish knot. Then pull these loops down and fold them into a figure eight, turning them counterclockwise. Place the bottom of the left loop over the bottom of the right loop. Then pass the left end of the thread through the entire knot from left to right, going around each thread. Also pull the right end through the entire knot from right to left, going around each thread. At the intersection, the left end should be above the right end. Then again pull the long end through the entire knot in the same way (Fig. 35).

Rice. 35. “Sea mat” knot: 1) execution diagram; 2) general view

Fig (petal) knot

The knotted threads should be spread apart when weaving, while the working threads should be crossed with each other.

Fold two 1 m long threads in half so that one end of each thread is 60 cm longer than the other end, and secure them to the base. Fold the left working thread at a right angle and place it on the knotted threads and under the right working thread. Place it under the nearest knotted thread, then onto the left working thread, pull it under the second knotted thread, placing it on the left working thread. The unit is ready (Fig. 36).

Rice. 36. Fig knot: 1) execution diagram; 2) variations; 3) general view of the node

The next knot begins with the left working thread. In addition, such a knot can be woven using more threads at once.

Trefoil knot

This knot is made from three threads 50 cm long. Tie all three threads together with a simple knot and secure it to a weaving pillow. You should weave counterclockwise. Form a loop from the first end and place it on the second end. Place the second end on the first. Wrap the third end around the second and pass under the first. Tighten the knot by pulling all ends at once. Weave the remaining ends in exactly the same way and in the same direction. The result will be a round cord. To make a triangular cord, you need to change direction after each circle (Fig. 37).

Rice. 37. Trefoil knot

Crown knot (“wreath”)

It is performed in a similar way to how the Chinese lotus knot is woven. The main difference is that it is woven from four threads.

Rice. 38. Crown knot: 1) execution diagram; 2) general view

Fasten four 50 cm long threads to the pillow in the middle, placing them crosswise. Place the lowest end on the second. Then place the second end on top of the third, going around the first end. Place the third end on the second and fourth. Continue laying the threads counterclockwise in a circle.

Each time the threads should be placed on top of the previous two threads. Then carefully tighten the knot by pulling all ends. You will get a “wreath” knot (Fig. 46).

Auxiliary nodes

Auxiliary knots are used to decorate the ends of threads.

Capuchin knot

The Incas used this knot in their knot writing. Make a simple loop on the thread on the left, then secure the joint with your fingers and pull the thread taut. With your other hand, make a few turns with the free end around the stretched thread. Then insert the end inside the loops on the left side of the stretched loop and into the loop itself. Tighten all loops (Fig. 39).

Rice. 39. Capuchin knot

Knot "Earring"

This knot is similar to a capuchin knot. Form a loop from left to right and pinch where the threads intersect. Then, with your free hand, wrap the thread several times around the tensioned thread from left to right and from top to bottom. All turns must be laid tightly to each other.

Then pass the end down into the loop and lower all the turns as low as possible. Cut off the remaining thread under the knot and secure with glue.

All turns can be made from a thread of a different color by folding it in half with the loop down (Fig. 40).

Rice. 40. Earring knot

The article was prepared based on materials from S.Yu. Rashchupkina