5 Useful Knots Every Homeowner Should Know

If you own a home, a garden, or even just a bakkie, you’ll need a good knot sooner or later. Whether it’s hanging a hammock, tying down a load, supporting a tree branch, or securing something in windy Overberg weather, the right knot can make all the difference between safe and sketchy.

Here are five simple, reliable knots every homeowner should know, no arborist training required.

1. Square Knot (Reef Knot)

Best for: joining two rope ends of the same thickness.

This classic knot is quick to tie, holds well under even tension, and unties easily, perfect for tying up bundles of firewood or securing light loads on a bakkie.

How to tie it:

1. Cross the right end over the left and pull through.

2. Then cross the left end over the right and pull through again.

3. Tighten evenly, it should lie flat and symmetrical.

Tip: Don’t use it where safety is critical, it can slip under uneven strain.

2. Clove Hitch

Best for: securing rope to a post, pole, or tree trunk.

The clove hitch grips firmly under tension but releases easily, great for temporary tie-offs, clotheslines, or securing branches before pruning.

How to tie it:

1. Wrap the rope around your post once.

2. Cross over and wrap a second time higher up.

3. Tuck the end under the second wrap and pull tight.

Tip: Add a half hitch if you want extra security in windy conditions.

3. Bowline Knot

Best for: creating a fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Known as the king of knots, the bowline is strong, simple, and never jams. Perfect for lifting, pulling, or anchoring a rope where you need a stable loop.

How to tie it:

1. Make a small loop near the rope’s end (this is the “rabbit hole”).

2. Pass the free end (“the rabbit”) up through the loop, around the standing line (“the tree”), and back down through the loop.

3. Tighten by pulling both ends.

   
   

Remember: It’s secure under load but can work loose when not under tension, don’t use it for life-support.

4. Sheet Bend

Best for: joining two ropes of different thicknesses.

This knot is ideal for extending rope length or tying off uneven lines, like joining garden twine to thicker cord.

How to tie it:

1. Make a small loop (bend) in the thicker rope.

2. Pass the thinner rope up through the loop, around the back, and tuck it under itself.

3. Pull both standing parts tight.

Tip: For extra grip, double the wrap for a “double sheet bend.”

5. Two Half Hitches

Best for: tying rope securely to an anchor point.

Simple and reliable, this knot tightens under load, perfect for tying off to a post, branch, or trailer hook.

How to tie it:

1. Pass the rope around the object.

2. Loop the free end over and through the standing line twice.

3. Pull snug, it will cinch down neatly as tension increases.

Why it matters

Good knots don’t just make work easier, they make it safer. From pruning prep to camping setups, knowing a few basics means you can handle almost anything with confidence.

And if you’re curious how we use these same knots up in the canopy, follow Overberg Arborists on Instagram and Facebook; we use them daily for rigging, lowering, and safety systems.