Not Just Knots 540 Summer2020.Pdf

FOR SUMMER 2020 For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.

Name: ______Age (as of January 1 of the current year): ______

County: ______Club Name: ______Advisor: ______SUMMER 2020 AUTHORS Glenn Dickey, Member, International Guild of Knot Tyers, North American Branch; and Volunteer, 4-H Youth Development, Ohio State University Extension John Dickey, Member, International Guild of Knot Tyers, North American Branch; and Volunteer, 4-H Youth Development, Ohio State University Extension Kathy Mann, former Program Coordinator, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University REVIEWERS Monroe Harbage, Vocational Agriculture Teacher and Extension Educator (Retired), Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension Randall Reeder, Faculty Emeritus; Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University Kameron Rinehart, Member, Youth Curriculum Committee, 4-H Youth Development, Ohio State University Extension PRODUCTION TEAM Brian Deep Art & Design LLC, designer Heather Gates, Technical Editor, Marketing and Communications, The Ohio State University, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Kelly Tomkies, Freelance Editor Jane Wright, Curriculum Manager, 4-H Youth Development, Ohio State University Extension Susie Young, Assistant Editor, 4-H Youth Development, Ohio State University Extension For more knot knowledge from author Glenn Dickey, including links to helpful websites, please visit morethanknots.com. Photo credits: Glenn Dickey: pages 10, 11, 17 (top), 19 (top and bottom), 21 (left), 35, 37 (completed fisherman’s knot), 41 (A, B, C, and D), 51 (knotboard), 52 This project book (knotboard). demonstrates adherence Tim Bowman: pages 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46. to the highest educational National 4-H: page 52 (boy with goat). standards within 4-H. All other photos from Thinkstock.com.

Copyright © 2016, The Ohio State University Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.

Roger Rennekamp, Associate Dean and Director, Ohio State University Extension For Deaf and Hard of Hearing, please contact Ohio State University Extension using your preferred communication (e-mail, relay services, or video relay services). Phone 1-800-750-0750 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Inform the operator to dial 614-292-6181. 7/17—0M—PRINTER NAME/NUMBER SUMMER 2020 CONTENTS Notes to the Project Helper 2 Member Project Guide 3 Project Area: Knot Basics Activity 1: Types of Cordage ...... 8 Activity 2: Parts of Cordage ...... 12 Talking It Over 15 Project Area: Simple Knots Activity 3: Overhand Knot ...... 16 Activity 4: Square Knot ...... 18 Activity 5: Bowline Knot ...... 20 Activity 6: Figure 8 Knot ...... 22 Activity 7: Alpine Butterfly Knot ...... 24 Talking It Over 26 Project Area: Bends Activity 8: Sheet Bend ...... 28 Activity 9: Sheepshank ...... 30 Activity 10: Anchor Bend ...... 32 Activity 11: Carrick Bend ...... 34 Activity 12: Fisherman’s Knot 36 Talking It Over 38 Project Area: Hitches Activity 13: Half Hitch 40 Activity 14: Round Turn and Two Half Hitches 42 Activity 15: Clove Hitch 44 Activity 16: Rolling Hitch 46 Talking It Over 48 Project Area: Capstone Project Activity 17: What I’ve Learned ...... 50 Glossary ...... 53 Answer Key 55 References ...... 56 Summary of Learning Outcomes 57

1 SUMMER 2020 NOTES TO THE PROJECT HELPER Congratulations! A 4-H member has asked you to WHAT YOU CAN DO serve as a project helper. You may be a parent, relative, project leader, friend, club advisor, or another person • Review the Learning Outcomes (project skill, life important in the 4-H member’s life. Your duties begin skill, educational standard, and success indicator) with helping the youth create and carry out a project for each activity to understand the learning taking plan, as outlined in the Member Project Guide. This is place. See the inside back cover for the Summary of followed by helping the youth focus on each activity, Learning Outcomes. providing support and feedback, and determining • Become familiar with each activity and the related what was done well, what could have been done background information. Stay ahead of the learner by differently, and where to go next. trying out activities beforehand. • Begin the project by helping the learner establish a As a project helper, it is up to you to encourage, guide, plan. This is accomplished by reviewing the Member and assist the 4-H member. How you choose to be Project Guide. involved helps to shape the 4-H member’s life skills • After each project area is completed, conduct and knowledge of the importance of cordage and a debriefing session that allows the learner to knot-tying. answer the review questions and share results. This important step improves understanding from an YOUR ROLE AS PROJECT HELPER experiential learning perspective. • Help the learner celebrate what was done well and to Your contributions are critical to delivery of the see what could be done differently. Allow the learner 4-H program, which is committed to providing to become better at assessing his or her own work. experiences that strengthen a young person’s sense • In the Member Project Guide, date and initial the of belonging, generosity, independence, and mastery. activities that have been completed. Each knot- Your interactions should support positive youth tying activity asks the member to mark the activity development within the framework of the Eight as completed only when he or she can tie the knot Essential Elements: without looking at the step-by-step directions. It is likely the 4-H member will be asked to demonstrate 1. A positive relationship with a caring adult this ability during judging. 2. An inclusive environment 3. A safe emotional and physical environment WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT 4. Opportunity for mastery 5. Engagement in learning EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING 6. Opportunity to see oneself as an active The information participant in the future and activities in this book are 1 7. Opportunity for self-determination arranged in a Experience 8. Opportunity to value and practice service unique, experiential to others fashion (see model). For more information on the Eight Essential Elements, In this way, a youth 5 2 please refer to the Volunteer Handbook available online is introduced to a Apply Experiential Share at ohio4h.org. In addition, on a practical level, your particular practice, Learning role as a project helper means you will . . . idea, or piece Model of information • Guide the youth and through an opening provide support in setting (1) experience. Learning to tie The results of 4 3 goals and completing this Generalize Process knots requires the activity are project. recorded on the patience and • Encourage the youth to accompanying pages. The youth then takes Pfeiffer, J.W., and J.E. Jones, Reference practice. You apply knowledge from this can help by the opportunity to (2) share Guide to Handbooks and Annuals. © 1983 project book. what he or she did with his John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Reprinted with acknowledging • Serve as a resource person. or her project helper, (3) permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. your 4-H • Encourage the youth to go processes the experience through a series of questions member’s beyond the scope of this 4-H efforts and by that allows him or her to (4) project book to learn more generalize, and (5) apply the providing lots of about knot-tying and rope. new knowledge and skill. encouragement.

2 SUMMER 2020 MEMBER PROJECT GUIDE

Welcome to Not Just Knots! You are about to As you complete the activities in this book, you learn 14 basic knots, bends, and hitches that can will notice that some knots are known by many be used in many activities and situations, from names. It is helpful to know a knot’s various sailing and climbing, to working with animals names so that, when you run across them in and decorating. This is going to be a lot of fun, and other books and other situations, you know the we’re knot kidding! knot being talked about. The various names are included for your reference, not because you are Each year the Not Just Knots project is taken, required to memorize them. you can choose a final, or capstone, project to demonstrate your new tying skills. If you take Check your county’s project guidelines (if any) for Not Just Knots more than once, be sure to select a completion requirements in addition to the ones new capstone project that demonstrates new and below, especially if you plan to prepare an exhibit different knowledge and skills. for the fair.

Not Just Knots is designed for 4-H members of Making each knot and learning about it will all ages and skill levels. This project can easily take from thirty minutes to an hour, depending be completed in one year, although younger on how easy it is for you to follow the steps. The members may decide to do it in two. Youth with secret to really learning them—to memorizing more experience can repeat this project as long as them—is to practice. Every time you start a new they can demonstrate new knowledge and skills. knot, see if it helps to start by tying all the ones that have come before. Good luck!

This is the ______(first, second, third, etc.) time I have taken this project.

SAFETY PLEDGE Handling rope can be dangerous. Rope that is incorrectly handled or tied can burn, injure, or even kill people and animals. Read the paragraph below. After discussing rope safety with your project helper, sign and date where indicated.

I pledge to handle rope and other cordage carefully, never using it to tie a person in any way. I will be especially careful of limbs, including arms and fingers, which can easily become caught in coils and small loops. When working with rope that is under great tension, I will use gloves and avoid wrapping a rope around my hand for a better grip. I will seek the appropriate training, equipment, and expertise before using any of the knots, bends, or hitches in this book for caving, climbing, sailing, or other activities with potential risk. In other words, I agree to use the knowledge and skills gained through completing the Not Just Knots project to make the best better.

Signature of 4-H Member:______Date:______

Signature of Project Helper:______Date: ______

3 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT GUIDELINES

Step 1: Complete all 17 activities, and all of Step 3: Become involved in at least two the Talking It Over questions. leadership/citizenship activities.

Step 2: Take part in at least two learning Step 4: Complete a project review. experiences.

STEP 1: PROJECT ACTIVITIES Complete all 17 activities and all of the Talking It Over questions. The More Challenges activities are optional. As you finish activities, review your work with your project helper. Then ask your project helper to initial and date your accomplishments.

Project Helper Activity Date Completed Initials Project Area: Knot Basics

1. Types of Cordage

2. Parts of Cordage

Talking It Over

Project Area: Simple Knots

3. Overhand Knot

4. Square Knot

5. Bowline Knot

6. Figure 8 Knot

7. Alpine Butterfly Knot

Talking It Over

Project Area: Bends

8. Sheet Bend

9. Sheepshank

10. Anchor Bend

11. Carrick Bend

12. Fisherman’s Knot

Talking It Over

4 SUMMER 2020 Project Area: Hitches

13. Half Hitch

14. Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

15. Clove Hitch

16. Rolling Hitch

Talking It Over

Project Area: Capstone Project

17. What I’ve Learned

STEP 2: LEARNING EXPERIENCES Learning experiences are meant to complement project activities, providing the opportunity for you to do more in subject areas that interest you. What are some learning experiences you could do to show the interesting things you are learning about? Here are some ideas: • Attend a clinic, workshop, demonstration, or speech related to knot-tying and rope. • Help organize a club meeting based on this project. • Go on a related field trip or tour. • Prepare your own demonstration, illustrated talk, or project exhibit. • Participate in county judging. Once you have a few ideas, record them here. Complete at least two learning experiences. Then, describe what you did in more detail. Ask your project helper to date and initial in the appropriate spaces below.

Project Date Plan to Do What I Did Helper Completed Initials

Showed club members how to tie Demonstration 5/5/YR J.D. five simple knots.

5 SUMMER 2020 STEP 3: LEADERSHIP AND CITIZENSHIP ACTIVITIES Choose at least two leadership/citizenship activities from the following list (or create your own) and write them in the table below. Record your progress by asking your project helper to initial next to the date each one is completed. You may add to or change these activities at any time. Here are some examples of leadership/citizenship activities: • Teach someone about knot-tying and rope. • Help another member prepare for his or her project judging. • Host a workshop to share tips about knot-tying and rope. • Encourage someone to enroll in the knot project. • Arrange for a rope and knot-tying speaker to visit your club. • Plan your own leadership/citizenship activity.

Project Date Leadership/Citizenship Activity Helper Completed Initials

Organized a club field trip to a rock climbing gym. Learned about the types 6/12/YR J.D. of rope and knots climbers use to stay safe.

6 SUMMER 2020 STEP 4: PROJECT REVIEW All finished? Congratulations! After you’ve completed the activities in this book you are ready for a project review. This process will help assess your personal growth and evaluate what you have learned. Use this space to write a brief summary of your project experience. Be sure to include a statement about the skills you have learned and how they may be valuable to you in the future.

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Now, set up a project evaluation. You can do this with your project helper, club leader, or another knowledgeable adult. It can be part of a club evaluation or it can be part of your county’s project judging.

7 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: KNOTS BASICS ACTIVITY 1: TYPES OF CORDAGE

Words in bold are located in the glossary.

Nowadays, instead of using the word rope, people who knot say cordage. You’ll soon discover that cordage is made of a wide variety of materials. Natural fibers used for cordage include cotton, sisal, jute, coir, and hemp. Man-made, or synthetic, materials are also popular. Let’s take a look. WHAT TO DO

Visit a hardware store and compare four different kinds of cordage. Find four that seem really different. As you examine each one, fill out the chart below. Some information you are looking for may appear on the cordage label.

Would it What does it Does it Cordage Natural or How is it be good feel like? What stretch? material synthetic? made? for this is the texture? (Y/N) project?

braided with paracord synthetic smooth Y Y inside cord

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Identifying different types of cordage Life Skill: Processing information Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. Success Indicator: Identifies different types of cordage

8 SUMMER 2020 BACKGROUND Cordage materials have evolved over time. Natural fibers have been used in cordage for thousands of years. Man-made synthetic fibers are relatively recent.

A soft, usually white, fluffy material that is made from the hairs around Cotton the seeds of a tall plant related to mallows; in knotting, cotton cordage is typically easy to handle and knots very well.

A glossy fiber made from either of two Asian plants that is used mainly Jute for making sacks and twine; knots very well, but because of its short fibers it is not very strong. NATURAL A strong, white durable fiber produced from the leaves of the agave plant Sisal and used as cordage and twine; a good choice for general-purpose twine.

A flexible and lightweight man-made fiber that is very economical for Polypropylene/ general-purpose rope. Polypropylene/polyethylene typically floats and is polyethylene resistant to rot, oil, water, gasoline, and most chemicals.

A strong, man-made fiber made from polymers that are popular in marine and other industries where stretch is not desired. Polyester Polyester cordage is typically resistant to wear, sun damage, rot, oil, gasoline, and most chemicals.

A strong, man-made fiber known for its flexibility and ability to absorb

SYNTHETIC shock. It lasts four to five times longer than natural fibers. Nylon cordage is typically resistant to wear, sun damage, rot, oil, gasoline, and Nylon most chemicals. SAFETY NOTE: When used under tension, such as a tow rope or mooring line, nylon cordage stretches and snaps back when the tension is released. Take extra precaution when using nylon cordage under tension, or consider using another material.

MORE CHALLENGES A way to test whether a cord is synthetic or natural is to burn the end. Purchase a small piece of each cordage you wrote about in your chart. With your helper, burn one end of each to see what happens. Cordage made from natural fibers burns easily. Cordage made from synthetic fibers melts and even fuses. Are any of them a combination? Document and share what you learn.

9 SUMMER 2020 HOW CORDAGE IS MADE

Spun or twisted strands of fiber create cordage. Why? This is important: Combining the strands helps to increase the strength of the cord. There are four ways this is done. 1. Laid. Three or more strands are twisted in the direction opposite the direction of the twist in the strands. In other words, it is twisted and counter-twisted. • Hard laid: Greater tension is applied during twisting, making a stiff, less flexible rope that wears better. This natural fiber cordage is three-stranded and right laid. • Soft laid: Little tension is applied during twisting, Each strand has many fibers. making a floppy and flexible rope that is preferable for tying knots. 2. Braided. Single strands braided together. An eight- or 16-braid is more flexible and stretches less than laid rope. Braided rope does not kink or twist. Most braided cordage is part of a sheath and core construction. Braid- on-braid rope is known to be the strongest rope. 3. Plaited. Twisted strands braided together. Combines eight or 16 strands, normally of nylon material and This synthetic sheath and core woven in pairs. rope has an outer sheath, an inside paper core, and an inner 4. Sheath and core. Climbing ropes are also called sheath core of individual fibers. and core. • Sheath: Protector of the core; the thicker the sheath, the more protection it provides to the core. It provides a small amount of strength. • Core: Individual pieces of yarn or rope bundled to form the core. The core is where the rope gets the majority of its strength and ability to absorb shock.

Paracord is made with a braided sheath and a core of twisted strands.

WHAT CORDAGE DO I NEED FOR THIS PROJECT? All you need to complete the activities in this project are two pieces of clothesline- type cordage, each about 3 feet long and ¼ inch (6 mm) in diameter. You can use other cordage, but cotton or synthetic clothesline is especially easy to handle and control. It is also inexpensive and readily available.

10 SUMMER 2020 HOW DO I KEEP MY CORDAGE DID YOU FROM UNR AVELING? KNOW? No matter what kind of cordage you use, it will last longer and As a general rule, your knots will look better if you finish the ends. The method a cord that is twice you use depends on the material, as shown in the table below. the diameter of If you decide to use heat to finish the end of your cordage, do so another is four only with your project helper. times stronger.

Method Material Process

WHIPPING Sisal with an end Use on cotton, manila, Wrapping and securing small whipped with sisal, and other natural cordage like string, twine, or cotton string. materials whipping cord around an end of larger cordage.

FUSING Paracord with Use with polypropylene, Using either a flame or tool a fused end. polyethylene, polyester, like a hot soldering iron, and nylon gently heat the end of the cordage until it melts.

GLUING Cotton clothesline Use on small cordage Before cutting the cordage, with a glued end. either dip the area you wish to cut in glue or apply glue to the area. Let dry, then cut. The glued spot will prevent the cord from unraveling.

TAPING Three-stranded cotton Use on any cordage of any Using a strong tape, such as with a taped end. size as long as tape holds electrical tape, wrap both it securely sides of the area you wish to cut with several turns of the tape. Cut the cordage in the middle of the area. Using this method, you can finish two ends of cordage with one taping.

11 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: KNOTS BASICS ACTIVITY 2: PARTS OF CORDAGE

A beginning step to learning how to tie a knot is to learn what the parts of cordage are called. Knowing these terms will help you follow directions and tie knots that are secure.

WHAT TO DO Use the words and descriptions below to label the parts of the cordage. Bight. Usually a U-shaped arrangement of the cordage; also any section of cordage that forms a curve, even if the curve is very slight; bight is also used to generally refer to the cordage between the two ends; for example, whenever a knot is described as being tied “in the bight,” it means it was tied without using the ends. Elbow. A sharp turn in the cordage after a loop. Loop. A section of cordage that crosses over itself. Standing end. The inactive end of the cordage. Working end. The end of the cordage involved in creating a knot.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Uses correct terminology to identify basic cordage parts Life Skill: Visualizing information Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. Success Indicator: Uses correct terminology Answers are on page 55. to identify basic cordage parts

12 SUMMER 2020 DID YOU BACKGROUND KNOW? Knots have been in use since before humans kept records. Some The Ashley Book of Knots common knots have been used so long it is impossible to know by Clifford W. Ashley is where they originated. This project covers knots from three the ultimate reference categories: simple knots, bends, and hitches. for people who tie knots. • A simple knot is any tying done in any cordage. Originally published in • A bend is a knot that joins two ropes or two pieces of 1944, it has more than 7,000 cordage together. illustrations representing • A hitch is a knot that attaches a rope or cordage to something 3,900 knots and other knot- such as a ring, post, or railing. Sometimes hitch also refers to a related subjects! Ashley knot that joins one rope or cordage to another rope or cordage. assigned a number to each Many names for knots are adapted from nautical, or sailing, terms. knot, making it easy to Because of Britain’s rich naval tradition, the English language identify knots that often especially has many knot terms. Don’t be surprised if you see the have different names. When word bend used in multiple ways. On a ship, ropes were not “tied;” you see ABOK followed they were “bent.” Sails were called sheets. A sheet bend, therefore, by a number in this and in was used to fasten a sail to its support. An anchor bend attaches a other books, it’s a reference line to an anchor or other point. Otherwise, the same knot is known to Clifford Ashley’s number as a hitch. system. You can quickly find the knot in his book by There are many more terms about cordage parts than the five in using the number. this activity. Here are just a few more that might be helpful: Each knot in this book is • A simple loop is an overhand loop when the working end lies on identified with its ABOK top of the standing part or standing end. An underhand loop is number, but you do not need when the working end goes beneath the standing loop. In some a copy of The Ashley Book cases, this slight change can create a variation of the knot, bend, of Knots for this project. If or hitch. a copy is available at your • An open loop is a U-shaped bight, narrow, but with separated local library, it can be a ends. A closed loop is formed when one of the ends crosses over great resource, although the other. it is not the best book for All knots are designed for a working purpose. Being able to identify instructions, especially for the cordage parts helps determine the knot’s working purpose and, more complicated knots. more importantly, helps you tie a secure knot.

13 SUMMER 2020 MORE CHALLENGES A good way to learn all these knotting words is to make flashcards. As you go through the activities in this book, write each word you need to learn on a note card. Store the note cards in two envelopes, one labeled “Already Learned” and one labeled “Learn These.” Review all of them frequently and use the words when you are talking about knots.

RESOURCES Are you interested in getting your own book of knot- tying? Any one of the books on this list is a great knot-tying book for beginners. • The Complete Book of Sailing Knots, by Geoffrey Budworth

• The Handbook of Knots, by Des Pawson

• Knots and How to Tie Them, from the Boy Scouts of America

• Mini Macramé: Jewelry, Belts, and Other Quick Macramé, by Vera Vandenbosch

• Top Knots, by Colin Jarman

• Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework, by Geoffrey Budworth

• What Knot? by Geoffrey Budworth and Richard Hopkins

A more complete list of knotting books, including more recommendations for beginners, can be found at ohio4h.org/knots.

14 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: BASIC KNOTS

TALKING IT OVER

SHARE Describe one thing you have learned about tying knots that you didn’t already know. ______

REFLECT What should you take into consideration when selecting cordage to use for this project? ______

GENERALIZE Name at least one other topic area that has its own special vocabulary, just like knot-tying. ______

_APPLY Using your own words, explain the difference between the standing end and the working end of a piece of cordage. ______

15 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: SIMPLE KNOTS ACTIVITY 3: OVERHAND KNOT ABOK #46, #515

Let’s get going and tie some knots! How about starting with one you already know: the overhand knot. It’s often the knot everyone learns first because it’s the beginning knot used to tie shoelaces. You already know it, right? WHAT TO DO 1 Take cord and start to form a loop. Most times you will need to pull the knot tight. However, if you are using the overhand knot to form other knots, you may need to leave the knot open. Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking 2 Form loop. at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

MORE CHALLENGES 3 Go over the starting part, then Find other examples into the loop. This completes of the overhand knot the overhand knot. by doing research in books and online. Document and share what you learn.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of an overhand knot Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties an overhand knot

16 SUMMER 2020 DID YOU KNOW? An overhand knot tied at the end of a rope to keep it from unraveling is called a cow tail. That’s not a good thing! It means the knotter doesn’t know how to properly finish the end of rope or cordage.

Entrance to Blair Castle, Scotland: Overhand knots carved in stonework.

BACKGROUND

The overhand knot is one of the most basic knots. It is easy to tie and holds securely. It serves as the beginning knot for more than 60 other knots, including the slipknot, overhand loop, fisherman’s knot, thumb knot, water knot, and many others. The overhand knot can be tied with cordage from the left or right used to form the loop. Use it if you intend for your knot to be permanent. Overhand knots are often used to prevent the end of a rope from unraveling. It is also very secure, sometimes to the point of jamming badly. Sometimes an overhand knot jams so hard the only way to untie it is to cut the rope. It can weaken the rope or cordage in which it is tied up to 60 percent of its original strength. In springy type cordage it can become untied. THE SLIPKNOT The overhand knot is the basis for a slipknot. Slipknots are handy because they are easily untied by pulling one of the ends. A slipknot is quickly made by catching the bight of the cordage with the right hand and then giving the hand a turn in such a manner as to catch the end over the wrist. Grasp the bight and pull it through the loop as shown.

17 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: SIMPLE KNOTS ACTIVITY 4: SQUARE KNOT ABOK #460

This is another knot you already know, even though you might not know you know it! The square knot is composed of two overhand knots tied opposite each other.

WHAT TO DO

1 Take two cords. Remember the simple 2 Take the right cord and go over the left. rhyme: Right over left and left over right After goingover the left cord, bring the makes the knot nice and tight. You will right cord back to the right and start to take the right cord and go over the left. form a loop. At the same time take the left cord and bring it back to the left. Start to form a loop with it. This is the right over left of the rhyme.

3 Take the left cord and go over the right. 4 After forming the second loop, bring the After goingover the right cord, bring the ends parallel to their respective parts. end of the left cord into the small loop Pull tight. You have actually formed two you have just made. At the same time overhand knots, opposite each other, take the right cord and bring it back to form the center section of the square to the left. Complete the loop with the knot. This completes the square knot. two ends. This is the second part of the rhyme, left over right.

Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the LEARNING OUTCOMES date in the Member Project Guide. Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a square knot Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a square knot

18 SUMMER 2020 DID YOU KNOW? If a square knot is tied incorrectly, the knot formed is usually a granny knot, or a lubber’s knot. These look like a plus sign or an X. Granny knots are A square or reef knot is used to bend sail to yard unpredictable. They on a replica of the Santa Maria in Columbus. either slip or jam, but you don’t know which BACKGROUND will happen. The square knot is important. It is one of the few knots that can be tied under tension, meaning it can be tied while holding something. Knowledge of the square knot predates history. Examples of the single slipped square knot can be seen in Egyptian tomb paintings and sculpture. (A knot is “slipped” when an end is tied with a loop, allowing you to quickly untie the knot.) The Greeks and Romans used the square knot, too, but they called it the Hercules knot. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, said that wounds bound up with the Hercules knot healed faster. Interestingly, the square knot is still used in medicine today. In nautical terms, the square knot is known as the reef knot. It was used on sailing boats for reefing a sail, or rolling it up in a bundle and tying it to the yard. The double slipped square knot is known as thebow tie knot. The bow tie knot is the knot most commonly used to tie shoes. You’ve known this one all along, too! The square knot is a good knot as long as it has even tension or is holding weight on both sides, but it can spill or collapse under uneven pressure. Do you remember what a bend is? MORE That’s when you are tying two ropes CHALLENGES together. A square knot is not a good knot to use as a bend. However, it can Make a temporary knot board that be used as a binding knot, or ligature, shows the steps in tying a square and it is good for tying packages. knot. Include a granny knot, which is what results when a square In addition to reef knot, other names knot is tied incorrectly. Use your for the square knot are flat knot, hard board to teach someone how to knot, and true knot. tie a square knot. Instructions for making a temporary knot board are available at ohio4h.org/knots.

19 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: SIMPLE KNOTS ACTIVITY 5: BOWLINE KNOT ABOK #287

The bowline knot is known as the king of knots. It is an easily tied, general-purpose knot that forms a single fixed loop. It is neither a bend nor a hitch.

WHAT TO DO

1 Take a length of 2 Form a small loop, 3 Form a larger loop below cordage. Bring it going to the left. Bring the smaller loop. Bring down and start the working end over the working end up and to form a loop. the standing end. through the smaller loop.

4 Bring the working end up and 5 Tighten the knot. behind the standing end. Then This completes the bring the working end down and common bowline. through the smaller loop.

Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide. MORE CHALLENGES

LEARNING OUTCOMES Find instructions and learn how to Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a bowline knot tie the bowline with just one hand. Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Document and share what you learn. Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a bowline knot

20 SUMMER 2020 DID YOU KNOW? The preferred pronunciation of bowline sounds like “bo'-lin,” not “bo'-line.”

Bowline knot being used to moor, or secure, a boat.

BACKGROUND A description of this knot was first published inThe Seaman’s Dictionary (1644), although it has probably been known before recorded history. There are many variations and combinations of the bowline knot. Research by The International Guild of Knot Tyers has documented more than 150 names of bowline knots. No one knows how many different bowlines there are because some knots have different names, and different knots are sometimes called by the same name. The bowline is a secure knot as long as it is under constant tension or holding weight. The tied bowline may reduce the breaking strength of a rope by as much as 40 percent. If the rope is stiff or slippery, it has been known tocapsize , spill (if under too much load), or shake itself apart (when not under tension or holding weight). People using rope for climbing have documented instances in which climbers have been killed because the bowline capsized or became undone. Other names for the bowline knot are bow line knot, standing bowline, and common bowline.

RESOURCE A list of names and pictures of bowline knot variations is available at morethanknots.com/bowline.

21 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: SIMPLE KNOTS ACTIVITY 6: FIGURE 8 KNOT ABOK #420

The figure 8 knot looks like the number eight. It is tied easily and holds securely. It is one of the few knots that can be identified even from a distance. WHAT TO DO

1 Start with a single strand. 2 Start to make a loop at the bottom.

3 Take the working end behind the 4 Take the working end through standing part going to the left. the lower loop. This completes Then goover the standing part the figure 8 knot. going to the right.

Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

MORE CHALLENGES Visit a licensed climbing facility or a marina. Find out how the figure 8 knot LEARNING OUTCOMES is used at that location. Document and Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a figure 8 knot Life Skill: Mastering technology share what you learn. Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a figure 8 knot

22 SUMMER 2020

DID YOU KNOW? In heraldry the figure 8 knot was used as a symbol of faithful love. Other names for the figure 8 knot areFlemish knot and Savoy knot.

BACKGROUND

The name "figure-of-eight" first appeared in theYoung Officers Sheet Anchor, by Darcy Lever, published in 1808. The figure 8 can be used as a stopper knot, a bend, and even a hitch. Some variations form a loop. Other variations used in climbing give two tie-down points. When used in climbing and boating, a positive feature of the figure 8 knot is that it is easily undone, even after being tied tightly. That also can be a challenge, so care must be taken to use the knot properly. It works well with modern rope and cordage. Because it is a bulky knot, it is also used as a stopper knot. For example, it can be used to keep rope or cordage from being pulled through a block, pulley, or fairlead. The figure 8 knot is one of the few knots that you can tell has been tied correctly just by looking at it. As mentioned earlier, it is recognizable even from a distance.

RESOURCE Step-by-step instructions for many knots, including other stopper knots, are featured at animatedknots.com.

23 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: SIMPLE KNOTS ACTIVITY 7: ALPINE BUTTERFLY KNOT

ABOK #331, #532, #1503

The alpine butterfly knot is tied in the bight, meaning it is tied without using the ends of the rope or cordage.

WHAT TO DO 1 Since this knot is tied 2 Twist the open 3 Fold the second loop in the bight, start at loop to the top two back over past the base the location where you times, so that you of the first loop. would like the knot to be make two loops. positioned. Make an open loop.

4 Bring the top of the 5 Extend the inside loop so you can second loop, going to attach a carabiner or another rope the left, back up inside to the loop. Tighten the knot. This the first loop. completes the alpine butterfly knot.

Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of an alpine butterfly knot Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties an alpine butterfly knot

24 SUMMER 2020

DID YOU BACKGROUND KNOW? Because it is so easily tied in the bight, the alpine butterfly knot Other names for the alpine is a popular climbing knot. It is often used as a clip-on point for a butterfly knot are carabiner on a safety rope. butterfly loop, lineman’s loop, and Because an alpine butterfly knot takes strain in any direction, it lineman’s rider. also can serve as a makeshift pulley in a tie down rope. Another use for this knot is to bypass a weak point or a cut in a rope.

MORE CHALLENGES Demonstrate for your project helper or club how to use the alpine butterfly knot to bypass a small section of damaged rope.

25 Activity 7: Alpine Butterfly Knot 25 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: SIMPLE KNOTS

TALKING IT OVER

SHARE What have you learned about knots so far? Is tying knots as easy as you thought it would be? ______

REFLECT Some people consider tying knots one of humankind’s earliest uses of technology. Do you agree or disagree with that idea? Explain. ______

GENERALIZE Knot-tying used to be a very important life skill. Should it still be considered an important skill today? Explain. ______

APPLY Do you see overhand knots being used in everyday situations? Look carefully around your home and in other places. Give at least two examples. ______

26 SUMMER 2020

27 27 SUMMER 2020 PROJECTPROJECT AREA: BENDS AREA: BENDS ACTIVITY 8: SHEET BEND ABOK #1431

The sheet bend is used to join two different ropes or cordages of the same size or of different sizes.

WHAT TO DO 1 Start with two 2 Bring the lower cord 3 Bring the lower cords. Make an open up and into the open cord around the loop with the first. loop. With the lower back of the open cord, start to go loop. behind the loop from the right.

4 After going around 5 Tighten the knot. Keep practicing the back of the This completes this knot until open loop, bring the the sheet bend. you can tie it working end under without looking its own part where at the step-by- it came up through step directions. the loop. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

MORE CHALLENGES Using knot books or the Internet, find LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding examples of other knots that are called the use of a sheet bend sheet bends or weaver’s knots. Share Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic what you learn with your project helper. Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a sheet bend

28 SUMMER 2020

DID YOU KNOW? When used to join flags to the flag line, a sheet bend is known as the flag bend.

BACKGROUND The sheet bend was originally tied in right laid rope or cordage. Consequently it is frowned upon to tie the sheet bend left handed, as right laid rope or cordage won’t hold the knot. When this same knot is tied to a seized, fixed eye, or other permanently closed loop it is known as a becket hitch. This sheet bend has appeared in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings and reliefs. It is one of the oldest- known knots, found in a fragment of fishing net 9,000 years old. The sheet bend is also known as the weaver’s knot because it was used to join threads that had broken on a loom. For added strength and security, other variations of this knot are the double and triple sheet bend. Another feature of the sheet bend is that it is easily tied and untied.

29 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: BENDS ACTIVITY 9: SHEEPSHANK

ABOK #1154

The sheepshank is used to temporarily shorten rope or cordage. It also can be used to bridge a weak spot in a rope or it can be used instead of coiling to keep excess rope from being tangled.

WHAT TO DO

1 Lay out cord as shown below. You 2 Bring the working end on the upper will use both ends as working ends to left down and behind the standing complete the knot. loop. You will make a half hitch around this end of the standing loop.

3 Form a half hitch around this end of 4 Start with the standing end on the the standing loop. This forms the left right side of the cordage. Bring it side of the sheepshank. up and behind the loop on the right side. See Step 5 on next page.

MORE CHALLENGES Make a small cut in a length of practice cordage. Tie a sheepshank, LEARNING OUTCOMES showing how you would use the knot to bypass the weak spot. Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a sheepshank Using a longer length of cordage, show how to use the sheepshank Life Skill: Mastering technology to coil the rope so it can be kept neatly out of the way. Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a sheepshank

30 SUMMER 2020 DID YOU KNOW? One variation of the sheepshank is made with four crossing turns and is known as the man-o-war sheepshank. BACKGROUND The sheepshank is used to shorten a rope without adjusting or cutting the ends. That makes it handy when there is too much cordage and you need to take up the slack. However, care must be taken not to use the sheepshank in more critical situations, like tying a large load onto the back of a truck. A sheepshank knot is not WHAT TO DO entirely dependable because it comes apart under too much or too little tension. The sheepshank is also useful as a temporary bridge over a damaged section of rope. At least 18 variations of the sheepshank are known.

5 Complete a half hitch on the right loop, going in the opposite direction of the half hitch on the left loop. This completes the sheepshank.

Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

31 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: BENDS ACTIVITY 10: ANCHOR BEND

ABOK #1841 An anchor bend is a secure knot used to tie a line to an anchor or other point. It is a good choice when using slippery rope, or when in extremely wet conditions. WHAT TO DO 1 Start with the 2 Bring the cordage 3 After coming out the cordage and up and through the front, complete a round something to tie ring. Go behind the turn, but leave enough it on to, such as a ring and exit out room to run the ring or bar. the front. working end through the round turn.

4 Bring the working end up and 5 Tighten the round turn around the through the round turn. Leave ring and rope. Make it snug, but enough rope or cordage to complete don’t tighten it too hard. This is a the knot. Make sure the working end point where a lot of wearing occurs. is extended (not shown here). See Steps 6 and 7 on next page.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of an anchor bend Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties an anchor bend

32 SUMMER 2020 BACKGROUND DID YOU As defined in Activity 2, a bend is a knot that joins two ropes or two KNOW? pieces of cordage together. So why is the anchor bend, described on There is only one small the previous page as tying the anchor line to the anchor, called a difference between the bend? Where’s the second piece of rope? anchor bend and the round The confusion stems from the anchor bend’s origin as a nautical turn and two half hitches, knot. As mentioned earlier, in nautical terms, ropes were not “tied” which is the most common to other things; they were “bent.” Sails were bent to the yards and hitch for tying off a rope the anchor rope was bent to the anchor. These naming conventions when no further adjustment continue today, so sometimes bends are called knots, and other will be needed. With just one times hitches are called bends. difference between the two, you are well on your way to An anchor bend is really a hitch. It is used to attach a rope to an learning both! object. However, because of its nautical background it is called a WHAT TO DO bend. Yes, it can be very confusing! With the use of modern cordages and wire rope, the anchor bend isn’t seen as much as it used to be seen in the past.

6 After tightening the round 7 Tighten the half hitch. This turn around the ring and completes the anchor bend. cordage, take the working end and form a half hitch below the round turn.

Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

MORE CHALLENGES Visit a marina and see if you can find an anchor bend in use. What other fastenings are used to attach anchors to either rope or chain? Take pictures and share what you find.

33 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: BENDS ACTIVITY 11: CARRICK BEND ABOK #1428, #1439

The carrick bend was originally used to join two ropes together in a flat bend that held securely and could easily go around awindlass or capstan. It is especially good for use with larger rope that does not accept tight bends or tucks. If the ends are seized while being used, it easily comes untied without placing heavy strain on the rope.

WHAT TO DO

1 The carrick bend 2 Bring the 3 The carrick bend knots always requires two ropes or second cord have an over/under sequence. cords. Starting with up and over Start the over/under sequence two cords, make a loop the two sides by going to the left and under with the one on the left. of the loop. the standing part of the left Make sure to go over the cord. Then goover the working standing part. end of the left cord.

4 Take the working end of the right cord 5 Straighten, or fair up, the knot. and go under part of the loop, over the Notice this is an ends opposite standing end of the same cord, then carrick bend. This completes a under the other side of the loop and out. carrick bend.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a carrick bend Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by- NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide. are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a carrick bend

34 SUMMER 2020 DID YOU KNOW? Ormonde Castle in Ireland is embellished with carrick bends molded in plaster. It is also the heraldic badge Carrick bend knot expanded and tied as a decorative knot. of Hereward the Wake, the English leader who rebelled in 1070 against the Normans BACKGROUND on the Isle of Ely. In Chinese The carrick bend can be tied with one or two pieces of cordage knotting, the carrick bend or rope. in-the-bight is known as the double coin knot. When used as a decorative knot, it is tied with one piece. With a few added tucks and bends, it can be changed into a three The decorative ring below is lead by four bight Turk’s head knot. By adding other tucks and made from carrick bend in- turns, it can be changed into the carrick bend on the bight, an the-bight knots. The knot on ocean plait mat, the knife lanyard knot, and numerous other the inside is a flattened carrick decorative knots. When the carrick bend is used in macramé, bend in-the-bight, which forms it is known as the Josephine knot. The carrick bend on the a Turk’s head knot. bight, as shown below, is the basis for many more variations. Depending on the complexity of the design, it is often difficult to identify the carrick bend as the starting point. If it is tied with two ropes, the carrick bend can be tied with the ends of the rope adjacent (on the same side of the knot) or with the ends of the rope opposite (on opposite sides of the knot). In this activity, you learned to tie it with the ends opposite. Both ways are acceptable. Another spelling of the carrick bend is the carrack bend.

The carrick bend in-the-bight is tied with one piece of cordage or rope. It is often used in decorative knotting and is the start for a variety of decorative knots.

MORE CHALLENGES Do some research, either online or in knot books, and see if you can identify different decorative knots made using the carrick bend in-the-bight. Document what you have found and share it with your project leader or club.

35 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: BENDS ACTIVITY 12: FISHERMAN’S KNOT

ABOK #496, #1414

The fisherman’s knot is actually a bend. Remember, a bend is a knot that ties two ropes together. It is composed of a knot you already know, the overhand knot. It is a simple but effective knot for tying together two pieces of rope or cordage of equal diameter. WHAT TO DO

1 Use two lengths of cordage for 3 On the opposite side, tie this knot. Start with the two another overhand knot lengths parallel to each other. around the other cord.

2 Using one cord, tie an overhand knot around the first piece of 4 Tighten both overhand knots, cordage. (The drawing starts with then pull tightly together. This the bottom cordage and ties the completes the fisherman’s knot. knot on the left. You can begin with the top cordage or on the right, whichever fits your circumstances.)

Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a fisherman’s knot Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a fisherman’s knot

36 SUMMER 2020 DID YOU KNOW? A fisherman’s knot is often used to make adjustable necklaces and bracelets.

A completed fisherman’s knot, pulled tight

BACKGROUND

Originally, the fisherman’s knot was used in fishing to tie gut or horsehair lines together. Because pieces of gut or horsehair are naturally short, they would have to be tied end-to-end to make a longer line. Today, the fisherman’s knot remains a very simple and useful knot. It is used for tying two ropes together quickly, whether for fishing or for other activities. Other names for the fisherman’s knot includeangler’s knot, English knot, Englishman’s knot, fisherman’s bend, and water (or waterman’s) knot. Interestingly, the fisherman’s knot is sometimes called the true lover’s knot.

MORE CHALLENGES To demonstrate how to extend a piece of rope that is too short, cut enough pieces of a clothesline rope for everyone in your 4-H club. Make one fisherman’s knot to show everyone how to tie it. Ask everyone in the club to join his or her piece of rope with the rope of the person next to him or her. Ask each person to pull the knots tight. Explain to your club this is a demonstration and probably wouldn’t be used otherwise.

37 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: BENDS

TALKING IT OVER

SHARE What cordage(s) did you use to tie the bends? ______

REFLECT Did you like the cordage(s) you used? Why or why not? ______

GENERALIZE Use your own words to define knots known as bends. How are bends usually used? ______

APPLY When are you likely to use a sheet bend, sheepshank, anchor bend, carrick bend, or fisherman’s knot? Name at least one specific opportunity. ______

38 SUMMER 2020

39 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: HITCHES ACTIVITY 13: HALF HITCH

ABOK #1428, #1439

The half hitch is used for temporarily fastening rope or cordage. Its primary use is as the base or starting knot for many other knots. It is used whenever a temporary holding knot is needed and can be tied under tension. It needs to be kept under tension and is usually used with other knots.

WHAT TO DO

1 The half hitch needs 2 Take a turn 3 Bring the working end to be tied around a bar around the bar. over the standing end or an object. In this and leave an opening to example, a bar is used. complete the hitch.

4 Bring the working 5 Tighten. This end though the completes the opening. half hitch.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a half hitch Life Skill: Mastering technology Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. mark the date in the Member Project Guide. Success Indicator: Ties a half hitch

40 SUMMER 2020 DID YOU BACKGROUND KNOW? Look back at the sheepshank in Activity 9. See how half hitches In addition to the examples are used to form the knot? Another knot called the bell ringer’s pictured here, there are at least hitch is formed using just one half hitch. 15 other variations of hitching. Thekillick hitch, which is used to move logs, is formed when a half hitch is added to a timber hitch. A killick hitch helps pull a log back into camp. Cockscombing, or hitching, is a decorative form of knotting that MORE ON is almost entirely composed of half hitches, which are also known as half knots. Changing the way the half hitches are tied changes SLIPKNOTS the form and name of the hitching. Some distinctive names of A variation of the slipknot called hitching are ring bolt hitching, St. Mary’s hitching, zig-zag the single slipped overhand hitching, and kackling. knot is often used to temporarily Here are four examples of hitching: ring bolt hitching (A), secure horses and other livestock. St. Mary’s hitching (B), zig-zag hitching (C), and kackling (D). Similar to the start of a half hitch Half hitches are also commonly used in macramé, a decorative but with the addition of an extra form of knotting. In yachting, reefed sails are sometimes tied loop or two, it is secure enough to down using half hitches. withstand an animal pulling on it and yet is easily released. For a video from eXtension that shows A B how to secure a horse using a slipknot, visit ohio4h.org/knots.

C D

MORE CHALLENGES Using some cordage and a small pole or even an empty paper towel roll, tie a series of continuous half hitches one after another. The pattern you create is called grapevine hitching. Demonstrate this easy decorative knot for your project helper or for other club members.

41 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: HITCHES ACTIVITY 14: ROUND TURN AND TWO HALF HITCHES ABOK #1784, #1835

The round turn and two half hitches is used when a secure tie down is needed. It is the most common hitch for tying off a rope when no further adjustment will be needed.

WHAT TO DO

1 Start with a bar 2 Take a round turn around the 3 Compress the or stake and a bar. The working end comes out round turn so all length of rope. going in the opposite direction the leads are close as the lead in. together.

4 Tie the first 5 Tie the second half hitch below Keep practicing half hitch on the first on the standing lead this knot until you the standing going into the bar. Then tighten. can tie it without lead going into This completes the round turn looking at the step- the bar. and two half hitches. by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a round turn and two half hitches Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a round turn and two half hitches

42 SUMMER 2020

DID YOU KNOW? David Steel’s The Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship (1794) was the first publication to name the round turn and two half hitches.

BACKGROUND Once you learn the round turn and two half hitches, it becomes obvious why it is so useful. Use of this hitch predates recorded history, and very few comments are made about it other than it is a good multipurpose hitch. A round turn and two half hitches knot is often used as a secure anchor point for tying down a tent. The round turn takes the strain of the rope while the two half hitches secure the line. It is a good idea to make the half hitches in the same direction. If they are reversed and form a lark’s head knot, the hitch is not as secure. However, with rope that has a lot of spring to it, the half hitches can come undone when the rope is subjected to a lot of jerking motion. This hitch can be hard to untie if the rope is slippery and the half hitches are jammed up against the railing.

MORE CHALLENGES Using practice cordage and a stake, see if you can demonstrate how the round turn and two half hitches would be used to anchor a tent. Document and share what you learn.

43 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: HITCHES ACTIVITY 15: CLOVE HITCH ABOK #204, 1773

The clove hitch can be tied either in the bight or at the end of the cordage. It is easy to untie because the cordage falls out of the hitch once the stake or anchor point is removed. This hitch is used in boating as a tie down hitch and also on stakes to rope off an area for crowd control. WHAT TO DO

1 Take length of cordage. 2 Go over the bar with a turn. Come up underneath the bar going to the left.

3 Continue over the bar, taking 4 Bring the working end up another turn. Bring the working underneath the crossing turn and end up and parallel to the out the other side. Tighten. This standing end. completes the clove hitch.

Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide. LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a clove hitch Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a clove hitch

44 SUMMER 2020

DID YOU KNOW? When used on the Mississippi River to tie steamboats to trees, the clove hitch was known as “choking a stump.”

BACKGROUND The clove hitch is a general-purpose hitch often used in modern boating to fasten fenders to railings. Other uses are as temporary whipping while working on rope, as a method of closing a sack, and as a clamp to hold two items together while being glued. On square rigged sailing ships the clove hitch was used to fasten ratlines (the vertical ropes) to shrouds (the horizontal ropes), making the ladders upon which sailors used to climb to reach the yards (the horizontal bars that support the sails). With modern, more slippery cordage, a clove hitch needs even pressure on both ends to keep its grip. When tying a clove hitch, leave long ends so the hitch isn’t pulled through. In construction, the clove hitch is known as the builder’s knot. MORE CHALLENGES Practice tying a clove hitch both ways: in the bight or at the end of the cordage.

45 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: HITCHES ACTIVITY 16: ROLLING HITCH ABOK #503, #1736

The rolling hitch is used to increase the grip of one cordage on another piece of cordage. It is often used on tent lines to tighten slack lines.

WHAT TO DO

1 Step 1: Take 2 After going around the 3 After going around the the length of bar once, go around bar twice below the line cordage and a second time. Stay you originally started, start to go inside the line you go above the starting around the bar. originally started. line and go around the bar again.

4 After going around the bar for the third time, make a half hitch. Tighten the hitch to secure. This completes the rolling hitch. Keep practicing this knot until you can tie it without looking at the step-by-step directions. When you can, mark the date in the Member Project Guide.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Tying and understanding the use of a rolling hitch Life Skill: Mastering technology Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students are proficient in the use of technology. Success Indicator: Ties a rolling hitch

46 SUMMER 2020

DID YOU KNOW? Although usually shaped as a triangle, a burgee also can be a rectangle or a tapered rectangle with a swallowtail cut out. Ohio is the only state with a state flag that is actually a burgee.

BACKGROUND

The advantage of the rolling hitch is that you can slide it along the line to loosen it, making it easier to untie. If the line is pulled toward the single wrap, the knot slides. If the line is pulled toward the double wrap, the knot holds. Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts know the rolling hitch as the tautline hitch. Like many others, they use it when camping to tighten tent lines so the tent sheds morning dew and water during rainstorms. Another use, this one in boating, is on a flaghalyard , the rope used for raising and lowering a flag orburgee. Other variations of this hitch are used to MORE increase the grip of cordage on another CHALLENGES rope or line. It also can be used to finish a line when tying down objects. Set up a tent and tie a rolling hitch on one of the tent lines. Then use the rolling hitch to tighten the line. Document and share what you learn.

47 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: HITCHES

TALKING IT OVER

SHARE That’s it! You’ve learned 14 important knots. How do you feel? Want to learn more? ______

REFLECT What do you like best about knot-tying? What do you like the least? ______

GENERALIZE Use your own words to define knots known as hitches. How are hitches usually used? ______

APPLY When are you likely to use a half hitch, a round turn and two half hitches, a clove hitch, or a rolling hitch? Name at least one specific opportunity. ______

48 SUMMER 2020

49 SUMMER 2020 PROJECT AREA: CAPSTONE PROJECT ACTIVITY 17: WHAT I’VE LEARNED You did it! You have come a long way in understanding the variety of knots and all the ways they are useful. Now it’s time to show off and apply what you have learned. WHAT TO DO This capstone project allows you an opportunity to share your enthusiasm about knot-tying. Choose a project that shows what you’ve learned this year. If this is your first year in the project, a knot board that shows your work on the knots featured in this book is a great start. If you have taken this project before, concentrate on what you have learned this year. For example, in year two or beyond, you might do a capstone project that features the carrick bend in something decorative.

Use one of the following suggestions, or plan your own project: • Construct a knot board that shows the steps in • Research and document the history of one or making one or several knots, finished versions more of the knots in this book. Create a timeline of the knots in this book, or some other theme or other visual summary you can share with of your own. others. • Collect different kinds of cordage and feature • Make something practical for use on a farm, them in a display. The display could be a board like an animal halter or a lasso. with attached and labeled samples, a collection • Interview someone who uses knots often. of samples for hands-on use, or any other Document the interview and share what he or creative way of showcasing cordage. she tells you. • Use one or more of the knots in this book to • Go to ohio4h.org/knots for more ideas and make a decorative or household item. step-by-step instructions for many knot topics.

Once you have an idea you are excited about, use the outline below to plan your project. Use a separate notebook or attach your plans to this page. A. Project description: Provide a general include the approximate purchase price and overview of the project. Include an total amount you will need to spend. explanation of why you want to do this C. Steps to completion: Break up your project particular project. into steps so you know ahead of time what you B. Materials list: Include all the materials have to do. you need to complete the project, including D. Timeline: Just to stay on track, assign a due those you have on hand and those you have date to each of the steps you identified above. to purchase. For items you have to purchase,

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Planning and completing a capstone project Life Skill: Planning and organizing Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. Success Indicator: Plans and completes a capstone project

50 SUMMER 2020

Knot board showing knots made with cotton cordage

Braided dog leash

Bracelets featuring various macramé knots

Bracelet woven from paracord

LEARNING OUTCOMES Project Skill: Planning and completing a capstone project Life Skill: Planning and organizing Educational Standard: NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. Rope halter and lead Success Indicator: Plans and completes a capstone project

51 SUMMER 2020 Rope halters

Decorative knot board

Nylon halter and lead

52 SUMMER 2020 GLOSSARY

ABOK. An abbreviation for The Ashley Book of closed loop. In knotting, formed when one section Knots; usually followed by a number that references or end of cordage passes over the other. a specific knot. clove hitch. A general-purpose hitch that can be alpine butterfly knot. A knot tied in the bight used tied in the bight or at the end of the cordage; also in climbing; also called butterfly loop, lineman’s called builder’s knot. loop, and lineman’s rider. cockscombing. A decorative form of knotting that anchor bend. A secure knot used to tie a line to an is composed almost entirely of half hitches. anchor or other point. coir. A stiff, coarse, natural fiber made from the angler’s knot. See fisherman’s knot. outer husk of a coconut. becket hitch. See sheet bend. common bowline. See bowline knot. bell ringer’s hitch. Formed using just one cordage. Ropes or cords, especially ropes used in half hitch. the rigging of a ship. bends. Knots that join two ropes or two pieces of cotton. A soft, usually white, fluffy, natural cordage together. material that is made from the hairs around the bent. A sailing term that describes two ropes being seeds of a tall plant related to mallows; in knotting, tied together. cotton cordage is typically easy to handle and knots very well. bight. Usually a U-shaped arrangement of the cordage; also, any section of cordage that forms a cow tail. The unfinished end of a piece of cordage curve, even if the curve is very slight. that has an overhand knot in place to stop the unraveling. binding knot. A knot used to keep an object or multiple loose objects together. decorative knot. A knot whose primary function is ornamental, not practical or functional. bowline knot. A general-purpose knot that forms a single fixed loop; also known as a bow line knot, double coin knot. The Chinese name for a carrick standing bowline, and common bowline. bend in-the-bight. bow line knot. See bowline knot. elbow. A sharp turn in the cordage after a loop. bow tie knot. A double slipped square knot. English knot. See fisherman’s knot. braided. Constructed by intertwining three or Englishman’s knot. See fisherman’s knot. more single strands. fairlead. An opening in a wall or other flat surface builder’s knot. See clove hitch. that a rope passes through. burgee. A flag shaped as a triangle or a tapered fair up. To straighten up or adjust a knot. rectangle, sometimes with a swallowtail cut out. fender. In boating, a bumper used to protect the butterfly loop. See alpine butterfly knot. boat from damage as it docks or passes other boats or structures. capsize. In knotting, a flipping or overturning motion of a knot that is under stress that sometimes figure 8 knot. A secure knot often used in climbing causes the knot to come apart. and as a stopper knot; also called Flemish knot or Savoy knot. capstan. A vertically rotating axel used to apply force to ropes and cables. Similar to a windlass, fisherman’s bend. See fisherman’s knot. which is horizontal. fisherman’s knot. A knot for joining two lines that carabiner. A metal loop with a spring-loaded gate is made from two overhand knots, each connected that is most commonly used in climbing. to the other; also called angler’s knot, English knot, Englishman’s knot, fisherman’s bend, true lover’s carrick bend. A strong knot made with two ropes knot, and water (or waterman’s) knot. that is especially useful for large cordage that does not bend easily; also the basis for many decorative flag bend. A sheet bend used to join a flag to knots such as the Turk’s head knot. a flag line.

53 SUMMER 2020 GLOSSARY, CONTINUED flat knot. See square knot. lubber’s knot. See granny knot. Flemish knot. See figure 8 knot. man-o-war sheepshank. A variation of the granny knot. Two overhand knots tied in the same sheepshank made with four crossing turns. direction; often results from an incorrectly tied natural. In knotting, cordage material made from square knot; also called lubber’s knot. plant or animal fibers. grapevine hitch. A decorative knot formed by nautical. Relating to sailing or navigation. tying a series of continuous half hitches. naval. Relating to a navy. half hitch. A temporary holding knot that can be nylon. A strong, man-made fiber known for its tied under tension; usually used with other knots flexibility and ability to absorb shock; it lasts four and as the basis for other hitches such as the bell to five times longer than natural fibers. Nylon ringer’s hitch, the killick hitch, cockscombing, and cordage is typically resistant to wear, sun damage, other decorative hitches. rot, oil, gasoline, and most chemicals. halyard. A rope used for raising or lowering ocean plait mat. A decorative knot based on the something, such as a flag or sail. carrick bend. hard knot. See square knot. open loop. A U-shaped bight, narrow but with hemp. A tall, widely cultivated Asian herb; the separated ends. sturdy fiber of a hemp plant. overhand knot. One of the basic knots that is heraldry. The design and use of military or used for more than 60 other knots; also called familial symbols. thumb knot. Hercules knot. See square knot. overhand loop. A kind of simple loop in which the hitches. Knots that attach a rope or cordage to working end is on top of the standing part or end. something such as a ring, post, or railing. plaited. Constructed of twisted strands braided Josephine knot. A carrick bend used in macramé. together. Combines eight or 16 strands, usually of nylon material and woven in pairs. jute. A glossy, natural fiber made from either of two Asian plants that is used mainly for making sacks polyester. A strong, man-made fiber made from and twine; knots very well but because of its short polymers that are popular in marine and other fibers is not very strong. industries where stretch is not desired. Polyester cordage is typically resistant to wear, sun damage, kackling. A decorative variation of the half hitch. rot, oil, gasoline, and most chemicals. killick hitch. A timber hitch with an added polypropylene/polyethylene. A flexible half hitch. and lightweight man-made fiber that is knife lanyard knot. A decorative knot based on very economical for general-purpose rope. the carrick bend. Polypropylene/polyethylene typically floats and is resistant to rot, oil, water, gasoline, and most knot. To tie a cordage; also, the part of a cordage chemicals. that has been tied. reefing. In sailing, rolling a sail up in a bundle and laid. A way of constructing cordage that involves tying it to the yard. twisting together individual strands; typically there are three strands and the twist is to the right. reef knot. See square knot. lark’s head knot. A variation of the round turn and ring bolt hitching. A decorative variation of the two half hitches in which the hitches are done in half hitch. different directions. rolling hitch. A hitch used to increase the grip of ligature. In knotting, a knot that binds. one cordage on another and to tighten slack lines; also known as the tautline hitch. lineman’s loop. See alpine butterfly knot. round turn and two half hitches. The most lineman’s rider. See alpine butterfly knot. common hitch for tying off a rope when no further loop. A section of cordage that crosses over itself. adjustment will be needed.

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Savoy knot. See figure 8 knot. stopper knot. A knot used to halt a rope slipping secure. Strong and stable. through an opening in a block or fairlead. sheath and core. Cordage constructed with a synthetic. In knotting, cordage material made protective cover over other pieces that form the from man-made fibers. center. tautline hitch. See rolling hitch. sheepshank. A knot with many variations that is thumb knot. See overhand knot. used to shorten a rope without adjusting or cutting timber hitch. See sheepshank. the ends. true knot. See square knot. sheet bend. A knot used to join different ropes or cordages of the same size or of different sizes; also true lover’s knot. See fisherman’s knot. called a becket hitch, weaver’s knot, and flag bend. Turk’s head knot. A decorative knot based on the simple knots. Tyings done in any cordage; see carrick bend. knot. underhand loop. A kind of simple loop in which simple loop. When the working end of a piece of the working end is beneath the standing part or cordage lies on top of (overhand loop) or beneath end. (underhand loop) the standing part or standing end. water (or waterman’s) knot. See fisherman’s knot. single slipped overhand knot. A variation of a weaver’s knot. See sheet bend. slipknot that is commonly used to temporarily secure a livestock animal. windlass. A horizontally rotating axel used to apply force to ropes and cables. Similar to a sisal. A strong, white, durable, natural fiber capstan, which is vertical. produced from the leaves of the agave plant and used as cordage and twine; good choice for working end. The end of the cordage involved in general-purpose twine. creating a knot. slipknot. A knot made by tying an overhand knot yard. In sailing, a horizontal pole on a mast to around the standing part of the cordage; a knot which a square-rigged sail is attached. that moves along the cordage around which it is zig-zag hitching. A decorative variation of the tied. half hitch. square knot. A binding knot made with two overhand knots tied opposite each other; also called Hercules knot (Greek and Roman), flat knot, hard knot, and true knot. standing bowline. See bowline knot. standing end. The inactive end of the cordage. St. Mary’s hitching. A decorative variation of the half hitch.

ANSWER KEY ACTIVITY 2: PARTS OF CORDAGE

55 SUMMER 2020 REFERENCES These books were used as general references by the authors of this book. They are not intended as resources for 4-H members taking this project, although they are definitely of interest to anyone who wants to study knot-tying in more depth. A list of suggested knot reference books for 4-H members is included in Activity 2.

Ashley, Clifford W.The Ashley Book of Knots. Jarman, Colin. Top Knots: Over 70 Dependable (New York: Doubleday, 1944). Knots—How to Tie Them and How to Use Them. (New York: Barnes & Noble, 2001). Ashley, Clifford W.The Sailor and His Knots. (International Guild of Knot Tyers, 2012). Knots and How to Tie Them. (Irving, TX: Boy Scouts of America, 1996). Budworth, Geoffrey.The Complete Book of Fishing Knots. (New York: Lyons, 1999). Pawson, Des. The Handbook of Knots: A Step-by- Step Guide to Tying and Using More Than 100 Budworth, Geoffrey.The Complete Book of Knots. Knots. (New York: DK Publishing, 1998). (New York: Barnes & Noble, 1999). Pennock, Skip. Decorative Woven Flat Knots. Budworth, Geoffrey.The Complete Book of Sailing (International Guild of Knot Tyers, 2002). Knots. (New York: Lyons, 2000). Perry, Gordon. Knots: A Practical Step-by-Step Budworth, Geoffrey.The Ultimate Encyclopedia Guide to Tying Over 100 Knots. (New York: of Knots & Ropework. (London: Anness, 2003). Barnes & Noble, 2002).

Budworth, Geoffrey, and Richard Hopkins.What Perry, Gordon, and Steve Judkins. RYA Knots Knot? (Edison, NJ: Chartwell Books, 2007). Splices & Ropework Handbook. (Southampton: Royal Yachting Association, 2008). Chen, Lydia. The Complete Book of Chinese Knotting: A Compendium of Techniques and Shaw, John. The Directory of Knots: A Step-by-Step Variations. (North Clarendon, VT: Tuttle, 2007). Guide to Tying Knots. (New York: Metro, 2009).

Dickey, Glenn A. Overhand Knot Booklet. Vandenbosch, Vera. Mini-Macramé: Jewelry, Belts, (Published by the author, 2013). and Other Quick Macramé. (Newton, CT: The Taunton Press, 2014). Graumont, Raoul, and John J. Hensel. Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work. Verrill, A. Hyatt. Knots, Splices, and Rope Work. (Cambridge, MD: Cornell Maritime Press, 1952). (Mineola, NY: Dover, 2006).

56 SUMMER 2020 SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

ACTIVITY PROJECT SKILL LIFE SKILL EDUCATIONAL STANDARD* SUCCESS INDICATOR Project Area: Knot Basics NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 1. Types of Identifying different Processing Students demonstrate a sound understanding Identifies different Cordage types of cordage information of the nature and operation of technology types of cordage systems. NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Uses correct terminology Uses correct Visualizing Students demonstrate a sound understanding 2. Parts of Cordage to identify basic cordage terminology to identify information of the nature and operation of technology parts basic cordage parts systems. Project Area: Simple Knots Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 3. Overhand Knot the use of an overhand Ties an overhand knot technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. knot Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 4. Square Knot Ties a square knot the use of a square knot technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 5. Bowline Knot Ties a bowline knot the use of a bowline knot technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 6. Figure 8 Knot Ties a figure 8 knot the use of a figure 8 knot technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Tying and understanding 7. Alpine Butterfly Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Ties an alpine butterfly the use of an alpine Knot technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. knot butterfly knot Project Area: Bends Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 8. Sheet Bend Ties a sheet bend the use of a sheet bend technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 9. Sheepshank Ties a sheepshank the use of a sheepshank technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 10. Anchor Bend Ties an anchor bend the use of an anchor bend technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 11. Carrick Bend Ties a carrick bend the use of a carrick bend technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Tying and understanding 12. Fisherman’s Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: the use of a fisherman’s Ties a fisherman’s knot Knot technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. knot Project Area: Hitches Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 13. Half Hitch Ties a half hitch the use of a half hitch technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. 14. Round Turn Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Ties a round turn and and Two Half the use of a round turn technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. two half hitches Hitches and two half hitches Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 15. Clove Hitch Ties a clove hitch the use of a clove hitch technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Tying and understanding Mastering NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: 16. Rolling Hitch Ties a rolling hitch the use of a rolling hitch technology Students are proficient in the use of technology. Project Area: Capstone Project NT.K-12.1, Basic Operations and Concepts: Planning 17. What I’ve Planning and completing Students demonstrate a sound understanding Plans and completes a and Learned a capstone project of the nature and operation of technology capstone project organizing systems. *The educational standards cited here are from the Standards for Students from the International Society for Technology in Education (2007). These are available in their entirety by clicking on Standards at iste.org/resources.

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