Page 42 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

37-032-6-pp001-pp274.qxd 9/1/2010 2:49 PM Page 27

LEARNING TO TIE KNOTS

when tying neckties, where you could have trouble remembering it
if you are paying attention. One way to avoid this is to consciously
think about the knot while learning it. That way, you’ll be more
aware of its structure and how you hold it while tying.

ALERT!

If you are using a knot where safety is at stake, it is crucial that
you follow all the steps of tying it correctly. Make sure that the
strain is on the appropriate leads coming from the knot. Any
change to which leads get strain or even the direction of the
strain will result in a different knot with different properties,
which may slip or jam.

Sometimes a knot must be remembered in a hurry or while
you’re distracted. This is often the case for people who use rope
in emergency services or when sailing. Under stressful circum-
stances, a person will tie based on habit. You should practice your
tying as closely as possible to the conditions you will have when
in a hurry and under stress, and use repetition. If you do anything
differently when you practice—for example, making a loop too small
or not tightening it all the way—you will probably tie it that way
when you need it quickly or under pressure.
As you work through the process of learning and practicing
with knots, memory will come naturally. You will also come to asso-
ciate different types of knots with different applications, and thus
will quickly be able to choose the correct knot for the job. So just
have fun learning, and the memory part will take care of itself.

Tips for Tying

There are a number of things you can do to help make learning
knots more successful and enjoyable. Gaining experience with fol-
lowing the diagrams presented in this book and other publications

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