Page 43 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Double Overhand Knot

Start as you would the overhand knot,
but go on to make an extra tuck, and

with a little manipulation as you pull
the knot tight, you will have a larger
stopper with a neat appearance.

By making even more tucks and
careful manipulation, a slightly longer

knot can be formed. The infamous
cat-o’-nine tails whip is said to have
three knots on every lash; as this knot

is also known as a blood knot it is
possible that double overhand knots

were used.

1 Make a crossing turn with the working

end passing under the standing part of
the rope. Tuck the working end down

through and out of the loop.
2 Tuck the working end a second time
down and through the middle of the loop
formed by the crossing turn and out of

the loop.
3 As the knot is being tightened, work the
turns of the knot into a smooth even knot

with the fingers.

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