Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch

is a knot which is both fast and easy to tie and when done correctly, is very secure. The following video will demonstrate two methods of tying the clove hitch.

Basic terms used in our knot tying instructions explained here.

The clove hitch is just a couple wraps and a tuck. If your rope is long enough and strong enough, it will support any weight including your own and still untie easily. You can practice this on the wooden arm of a chair or a handrail. The end should be long enough to go around the object about three times. If not drawn up tight, this knot is prone to slipping so throw a half-hitch on the standing part with the bitter end for safety.

How To Tie A Clove Hitch:

Select length, enough to go around (the branch) three times.
Wrap once.
Cross over
Wrap once more in the same direction.
Tuck the bitter end under the crossover

Tying a clove hitch: Midline. Rock climbers use this method to connect a rope to a carabiner.

Wrap the line loosely around the fingers of one hand, twice.
Separate the two loops
Reverse the position of the loops (bringing the bottom loop to the top and the top loop to the bottom)
Place both loops over a post (or whatever)
Pull each end to tighten the knot. You have now tied a clove hitch in the middle of a line.

Creative uses for the clove hitch include:

Creating a tie point on a tarp being used as a survival shelter.
Anchoring food or equipment out of the reach of scavengers.
Moving things up or down a cliff face.

The clove hitch is easy to tie, easy to untie and versatile in its uses. Well worth adding to your personal lexicon of knots.

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This list of knots, either singly or in combination, will serve almost any need you have, be it around the house or in the wilderness.

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