Page 244 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

20. Thief Knot

Also known as: Bag Knot, Bread Bag Knot

The Thief Knot is designed to resemble the Square Knot. The idea is that a
thief who steals something from a sack of provisions will retie a proper
Square Knot to cover his tracks, but the owner will notice the difference. (Of
course, the missing provisions will also tip off the owner, but that’s folk
wisdom for you.)

Uses: binding packages or sacks while supposedly signaling pilferage
Pros: fairly secure

Cons: can’t be tied tightly

Instructions

1. Imagine that we have made a tight round turn around the neck of a sack out of the frame at the top of the
photo. Make a bight in the left end of the rope. Pass the other end through the bight from back to front.

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