Square Knot or Reef Knot and Granny Knot

The reef knot, also known as the square knot, is a simple, handy knot for temporary ties. It is great for tying your shoes (the "bow knot" is a double-slipped square knot). Note, however, that it is not suitable for connecting two ropes together or any application where it will take a high strain.

When tying a square knot say the following to yourself and it will help you remember the steps in tying the knot.

1. Make an "X" with the right end on top. Make an "X" with the rope ends, with the right end on top.

2. Tie an overhand knot, twisting the right end around the left end.

3. Make an "X" with the new left on top. With the "new" right and left, put the left over the right.

4. Tie another overhand knot.

5. Pull tightly.

6. The knot should look very neat - like a square - essentially looking like a loop stuck in another loop.

A "slipped" square knot (forming a loop with one or both of the ends before step #3) gives this knot instant-untie ability. The common shoe-lace "bow knot" is a double-slipped square knot.

A granny knot is not nearly as strong as a square knot. A "granny knot" results when you do not switch directions on steps 3 and 4. Right over left, under with right. Right over left, under with right. This is not nearly as useful as a well tied square knot, which will hold much longer.