Page 40 - Geoffrey Budworth, Jason Dalton "The Little Book of Incredibly Useful Knots"

Carrick bend

The name carrick bend first appeared in the eighteenth century. This basic knot has many

applications both on land and at sea, but is a weaker knot than some, due to the many tight
curves to which the rope is subjected under weight. However, it does not readily slip under
strain and will be secure and lasting for loads weighing half the breaking strength of the line.

Begin with a bight in the end of one line, with the working and standing ends crossed. Lay the

working end of the second line beneath the loop in the first line (1). Cross the second line over the
opposite standing end, under the opposite working end, then back over the loop. Then cross under
the same line and over the next loop (2). Notice that the crossings alternate over and under. Pull all
four lines emerging from the knot (3). Then pull just the standing parts to tighten (4).