1

I have a square frame and wish to run twine from the top down and then repeat that across a number of times.

I would like a knot on at least one side where i can pull the tag end to make the line somewhat tight. What knot will allow me to achieve that?

2 Answers 2

2

Take a look at the clove hitch, here: http://www.animatedknots.com/cloveend/ .

enter image description here

5
  • The website says it should be deeply distrusted because it can slip or bind. If it slips while full of vegetation that seems like a hassle to fix no? Do you have any recommendations to keep it from slipping?
    – Dano0430
    Mar 28, 2018 at 16:16
  • Clove hitches are only viable when tied on round surfaces.
    – Bort
    Mar 28, 2018 at 19:56
  • I've just used a clove hitch to tie a length of cord to the square leg of my heavy wooden coffee table and then dragged the table around my living room. No slippage problem. The recommendation is for use on trellis, not tying up an angry elephant.
    – Peter4075
    Mar 29, 2018 at 18:00
  • Nice and simple. What I did was tie it off with a double half hitch.
    – Valamas
    Mar 29, 2018 at 23:53
  • Good choice. When in doubt, use a double (or triple, or quadruple) half hitch.
    – Peter4075
    Mar 30, 2018 at 7:09
1

I’d insert a sheepshank into the last run of twine across the frame, then loop the leading edge of the twine around the frame and back into the closest loop of the sheepshank, pull tight, then tie off with two half hitches.

Sheepshank

sheepshank knot

Two Half Hitches

two half hitches knot

I prefer this combination over a truckers hitch because it is easier to dismantle and is less likely to deform your rope / twine.

A word of warning however... the sheepshank was developed for a time when ropes were made from natural material - the thicker and rougher the rope, the better a sheepshank will perform. The sheepshank knot does not work well with synthetic “smooth” rope, as it has a tendency to collapse. The truckers hitch is better for modern synthetic rope that is “slippery”.

The sheepshank is a little tricky to learn, but once you master this skill, it’s a versatile and robust knot that will become as valuable to you as a reef knot or clove hitch.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.