Kids and teens will have a useful skill when they learn to tie these basic knots, perfect for camping, boating, and fishing.
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Learning how to tie a knot is an essential skill. Knots are the best way to secure your tent when camping, anchor a boat to the dock, or hang a hammock in a tree.
There are lots of different kinds used by scouts, sailors, and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Anyone can learn to tie simple knots, though, and these beginner ones below are the perfect place to start.
Beginner knot tying tips
- Knot tying is a fine motor skill. In general, kids who are old enough to tie their shoes can learn these simple knots.
- Don’t try to learn all 5 of these in a day. Pick one to start, then once your kids have learned it, add a second one.
- Practice tying knots with good rope. You might be tempted to use yarn or shoelaces, but they can easily get tied tight or tangled. Paracord or nylon/propolyne rope is great for most purposes.
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How to tie a knot
Overhand knot
An overhand knot is the simplest knot you can tie and is the foundation for many of the more complicated knots you can learn.
Start by holding the rope with one end in each hand. Fold the right end over the left end.
Keep folding the right end over the left until you come back around. When you pull on both ends it will create a knot in the center.
Slip knot
A slip knot comes in handy when you need a knot that easily unties. This knot is very strong, but will come apart easily when you pull on the short end.
Start by holding the rope with the cut end in your right hand, folded to create a small hook. Pinch that hook closed and fold it over the rest of the rope.
Continue folding that hook over the other side to create a circle and slide it through the hole. Pull the rope tight to create a knot.
Square knot
A square knot is essentially an overhand knot done twice to be extra secure.
Start by holding one end of the rope in each hand. Fold the right end over the left and around. Pull to create an overhand knot.
Next, repeat the process but this time, fold the left end over the right one. Continue it around through the hole and pull it tight next to the first knot.
Bowline knot
A bowline knot is a slightly more complex knot that’s great for attaching a hook to fishing line, securing your tent to the pegs in the ground, and anywhere you need a strong knot.
Start by holding the rope in your left hand. Make a loop that curves over the main piece of rope and hold the cut end in your right hand. Slide that cut end under the bottom of the loop and up over the top.
Continue the cut end of the rope around behind the main piece of rope. Tuck the end back through the loop. Hold the end of the rope and biggest loop while you pull the smaller loops tight.
Unlike the slip knot above, this one doesn’t pull untied as easily. You’ll need to feed the rope back the way it was tied.
There are tons of different types of knots, but these 4 will cover just about every situation. Practice, practice, practice and you’ll be a knot-tying expert in no time.
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