Page 62 - Jim Whippy - Reeds Knot Handbook

The sheet bend was first used in the late 18th century when
sailors would quite literally ‘bend’ one free end of a rope to
another. It is a handy knot to know as it is used to join two
ropes of different thicknesses without slipping. Its primary
use was to secure the trimming ropes, or ‘sheets’ as they
were known, that were attached to the sails. This knot is also
referred to as the flag bend as it was used to attach flags to BowlInes and Bends
masts.
If you are using lines that become slippery when wet,
you can make this knot more secure by tying a ‘double’
sheet bend. Simply add another round turn below the first
and bring the working end back under itself as before. For
maximum strength make sure both working ends are on the
same side of the knot when completed.

3
Take the working end of
the thinner line round
the neck of the loop
made in the thicker rope.

4
Finish the knot by
tucking the thinner line
back under itself.

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