Page 101 - Maria Constantino "The Knot Handbook"

REEF KNOT

en (ALSO KNOWN AS SQUARE KNOT, TRUE KNOT, HARD
b
z KNOT, FLAT KNOT AND ORDINARY KNOT)
~
C> his is one of the oldest knots, and is also one that most people know how to tie. Known
z
- T and used by civilisations as fa r back as the ancient Egyptians, the reef knot is unique in
Q
z that it can be tied and tightened with both ends. The name reef knot comes from its nautical
r:a use: it was traditionally used to tie up a reef (sail). Today, we are most likely to use it around
the home in tying up parcels. The simple way to remember how to tie a reef knot is: left over
right and under, right over left and under.

NOTE
Never use a reef knot as a bend: if
tied with tivo ends of unequal size
or stiffness, it is not secure.
(See chapter on bends.)

Take the two ends of the
I same piece of cord. Place
the left- hand end over the
right- hand end.

Tie a half-knot by taking
2 the left-hand end under
and back up over the right-
hand end.