How to Tie a Reef Knot

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The Reef Knot—also known as the Square Knot—is as simple as tying your shoes. In fact, it is tying your shoes.

Step 1: Hold rope
Hold one end of the rope in your left hand and the other end in your right hand.

Step 2: Cross ends
Cross the end of the rope in your left hand over the end in your right hand to form an "X."

Step 3: Entwine ends
Bring the end of rope in your left hand down behind the end in your right hand, then back up, so that the two ends are entwined—the left-hand rope is now in your right hand and vice-versa.

Step 4: Form another "X"
Use your right hand to pass the same end back over the end now in your left hand, forming another "X."

Step 5: Pull end through loop
Bring that end down behind the other end again, and continue pulling it through the loop that forms.

Tip
This knot can also be tied using two separate ropes, joining them in a "hitch."

Step 6: Pull ends
Pull the two ends to a symmetrical length, and you've got a perfect square Reef Knot on your hands.

Did You Know?
A helpful mnemonic device to tie this knot: Left over right, right over left.