Page 149 - Geoffrey Budworth, Jason Dalton "The Little Book of Incredibly Useful Knots"

Taut-line hitch

As its name implies, this hitch is used to put tension on a standing line, making it taut. It is most

useful for temporary guy-lines attached to a post in the ground. It can be used for tightening
clotheslines and the like, but will release under heavy loads.

Begin by passing the line around the post and crossing it under the loaded line (1). Wrap it around
the loaded line once on the side of the crossing closest to the post, then wrap it around again (2).

Bring the remaining line out to the side away from the post and cross it over the weighted line.
Wrap it around the weighted line, and tuck it under itself to finish the knot (3). Tighten the taut
line hitch by pulling the lines emerging from the sides of the knot away and slightly toward the
middle of the knot (4).