Page 77 - Peter Randall - The Craft of the Knot

STEP 3 Form a crossing turn with the running end on the bottom.

STEP 4 Next, drop the crossing turn over the cleat end and pull tight.

STEP 5 Or you could finish with a quick-release slipped version.

The most common mistake with this hitch is to make too many wraps and crossings,

which can cause it to jam when releasing, making you look like you don’t belong near a
boat. The Cleat Hitch is not considered a permanent connection but is fairly secure
when the rope used is not too big or small for the horn cleat. The slipped version needs
a steady load to keep its hold.

CONSTRICTOR KNOT

Start this knot exactly as you would the Clove Hitch (see Chapter 8). Only the last tuck
is different, as shown in Step 3.