Page 24 - Derek E. Avery - The new encyclopedia of knots

breaking strength. The blood knot is suitable for connecting lines of

different sizes, although if the sizes vary greatly the improved blood knot
(see page 98) should be used.

Take the two lines from opposing sides and cross them to form an X.
Squeeze the point where they cross between your forefinger and thumb,
and with the other hand make up to five turns with the working end of
the line, that extends on that hand’s side, around the standing part of the
other line (figure 13.1 shows two turns). Then take the working end back
towards the point of the cross and insert it on the other side of the X

between the other working end and the standing part. These turns are
repeated with the other working end which is then inserted through the
same opening (figure 13.2). It is important that both ends are passed
through the same opening, and that one travels from top to bottom and
the other from bottom to top. The knot is then pulled tight by holding a
standing part in each hand and tightening it by jerking it, which helps the

turns to seat correctly (figure 13.3). For very low poundage line, pull
steadily instead of jerking.

figure 13.1

figure 13.2