Page 106 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Clove Hitch

Quick and easy to tie, the clove hitch
consists of two half hitches or crossing
turns, each made in the same

direction. It is used to finish off knots
like the round turn and two half

hitches and the various types of
lashing, as well as being a useful knot
on its own. It makes an ideal crossing

knot when staking and roping out an
arena. Boaters often use the clove

hitch to quickly moor a small boat to
a bollard or post. This is not such a
good idea, except perhaps as a very

temporary measure, as it can easily
work loose. An extra half hitch round

the standing part helps to stop this,
but there are better knots to use, such
as the round turn and two half hitches

or the bowline, depending on the
circumstances.

Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices

104