Page 49 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

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THE EVER YTHING KNOTS BOOK

Many knots that are usually tied with the running end can be tied
in the bight by folding a bight anywhere in the line and then using
it exactly as you would a running end. When a Simple Overhand
Knot is tied this way, the bight that protrudes from the knot where
the running end would have been can then be used as a loop. This
is a good way to make a loop in very small cord or string.
Another term important in understanding knots is capsizing,
which is when a knot changes its shape due to a rearrangement of
one of its parts—for example, when you pull on the knot’s loop and
it straightens out. If you set up your cord as shown in FIGURE 3-4
and pull on the running end, it will leave the crossing turn as it
straightens and another crossing turn will form on the cord that was
running through it. This transformation can happen in knots when
they are not snugged down into their proper form, causing the knot
to “spill.” In the case of the Square or Reef Knot, this is done inten-
tionally, to untie it more quickly (capsizing is sometimes done on
purpose to aid in tying a knot).

Figure 3-4: Pulling on the running end will capsize the knot

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