Knot Atlas

Basics ยท 5 of 6

Words for the parts of a rope

Standing part, working end, bight, loop, turn. The words every step uses.

Instructions for knots use a small set of words for the parts of a rope. Select a word to see it on the drawing.

Turns

Turn (left): the rope goes round the object once. Round turn (right): it goes round a second time, so it grips the object all the way round and can hold a load while you finish the knot.

More words

Knot
Strictly, a knot tied in one rope, such as a stopper or a loop. Loosely, anything tied.
Bend
A knot that joins two ropes end to end.
Hitch
A knot that ties a rope to something: a post, ring, rail or another rope.
Binding knot
A knot that holds an object or bundle together.
Riding turn
A turn that crosses over another, as in a Clove Hitch.
Nip
The place where one part of a knot presses on another and holds it by friction.
Lay
The direction the strands of laid rope are twisted.
Tying in the bight
Tying a knot without using an end, with a doubled part of the rope instead.
Slipped
Finished with a bight instead of the end, so one pull on the end unties it.
Dress
Arrange the parts of a knot so they lie neatly, without unwanted crossings.
Set
Tighten a dressed knot by pulling each part in turn.
Whipping
Turns of thin twine round a rope end to stop it unravelling.