Page 8 - Des Pawson "Knots The Complete Visual Guide"

6 INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Knots have been used throughout history,
and they remain a valuable resource today.
Learning to tie knots is a handy, enjoyable
skill, requiring only simple equipment to
get started.
This book contains a selection of knots
intended to be practical and instructive.
Many of them have specific purposes, others
are purely decorative, while some can be used
for many different tasks; all of them should
be reliable and safe if tied correctly. You
will find them useful in everyday life as
well as in activities such as climbing,
sailing, and camping.
As with any skill, it is best to begin by
learning the basics. Familiarize yourself
with the fundamental techniques, the
different types of rope and their uses,
and a few technical terms. Experiment
with some simple knots before you
attempt anything complicated;
classic knots such as the Square Knot
(see pp.85–86) and the Overhand
Knot (see pp.28–29) are both
excellent places to begin.
When learning to tie
new knots, don’t rush—
pause regularly to make
adjustments as needed
and, above all, have fun!