The photo shows two ropes of different colors and patterns (one is teal with a green checker pattern, the other is red with a white zigzag) lying horizontally against a white background.
They are tied together in a Square (Reef) Knot, creating a neat, symmetrical interlock at the center.
Each rope loops around the other, with the teal rope emerging on the right side and the red rope emerging on the left, forming a flattened, balanced knot.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tie a Square (Reef) Knot
A Square Knot—often called a Reef Knot—is a simple way to join two ends of rope or string of similar diameter. It’s commonly used for securing bandages, bundles, or packages. Here’s how to tie it:
Start with Two Ends
Hold one rope end in each hand.
For clarity, call the left rope “Rope A” and the right rope “Rope B.”
Cross Left Over Right
Pass Rope A over Rope B, then tuck it under Rope B so that the ends effectively swap hands.
Now Rope A’s end is on the right, and Rope B’s end is on the left.
Cross Right Over Left
Next, take Rope A (now in your right hand) and pass it over Rope B (in your left hand).
Tuck Rope A’s end under Rope B to complete the second half of the knot.
Dress (Align) the Knot
Pull gently on both ends to snug the knot together.
The knot should look symmetrical, with each rope making a loop around the other in a neat, flattened form.
Tighten
Pull firmly on both standing parts (the long sections of rope) to secure the knot.
Ensure the knot lies flat and that there’s enough tail on each end.
Tips & Cautions
Use ropes of similar diameter: A Square Knot can slip if there’s a significant difference in rope thickness or if the ropes are very slick.
Not for critical loads: The Square Knot is easy to tie and untie but can fail under heavy strain or with uneven tension. For load-bearing or lifesaving situations, use more secure knots like the Double Fisherman’s or Figure-8 Bend.
Check the final shape: A correctly tied Square Knot has a neat, symmetrical appearance. If it looks lumpy or asymmetrical, it may be a Granny Knot (an incorrect version).
With practice, you’ll be able to tie the Square (Reef) Knot quickly and confidently whenever you need a simple binding knot.