Page 21 - Peter Randall - The Craft of the Knot

The Overhand Knot is a distinct knot with its own properties. It is also the basis for both
tying and remembering many knots. For instance, the Overhand Knot is the base for
two important series of stopper knots, the figure eight series and the multiple overhand
series.

OVERHAND KNOT

STEP 1 Pass the running end around the standing part, making a loop, and then pass

it through the crossing turn.

STEP 2 Tighten the knot by pulling on both the standing part and the running end.

Besides being the foundation of many different knots, the Overhand Knot has many
distinct properties of its own. For example, it weakens most cordage it is tied in by 50

percent or more, and tightening it down can damage the fibers of some ropes.
Consequently, it is tied in nylon fishing line to test for brittleness. If fishing line has lost
any of its flexibility, it will break very easily as you tie an Overhand Knot in it and

tighten it with a quick jerk from both sides. Fishermen take care not to accidentally let
an Overhand Knot form in their line so as not to lose half its strength. Once it’s tied, the
knot is difficult to undo. It should only be tied in small cordage or thread if it is not
meant to be untied.

THE FIGURE EIGHT SERIES

The figure eight series contains frequently used knots. This series begins by making the

crossing turn that would be used for an Overhand Knot, and then increasing the number
of times the running end is wrapped around the standing part before passing once
through the loop. Twisting this loop an increasing number of times before threading