Page 16 - The Pocket Guide to Equine Knots

when the two ropes joined are of different diameters.
The sheet bend is simple to tie. Step 1: Make a loop (bight) in the end of one rope. If the

ropes are of unequal size, make the bight in the larger one. Then bring the other rope
through the loop from below, around the loop, under itself, and out.

Sheet bend, step 1.

Step 2: Tie it so that the free ends of both ropes emerge on the same side. Pull it tight.
This knot is very strong, yet relatively easy to untie after pressure is applied. In many

respects, it resembles the bowline, which we’ll study in the next chapter. I find myself using
the sheet bend frequently now that I’ve learned it, wondering why I didn’t catch on to it
much earlier in life.

Sheet bend, step 2.

Rope Buckle

The rope buckle is a simple variation of the sheet bend, used with an eye splice. It’s the
same knot you use in attaching a rope halter and is quick and easy to detach and adjust. A
useful variation is to make it quick-release by inserting a bight rather than the end of the

rope below the rope where it initially emerges through the eye splice. Unless extreme
pressure has been applied a quick yank releases the buckle.