Page 70 - Jim Whippy - Reeds Knot Handbook

The clove hitch has been around since the 18th century and
was frequently used on square-rigged ships, particularly for
the rope ladders that enabled sailors to reach the upper
masts. The main aim of the clove hitch is to fasten a line at its
mid-point, but it is not very secure and has a tendency to slip
or jam. This knot works best with natural fibre rope rather
than the more modern synthetic ones, as it can work loose on crossIng Knots
slippery surfaces.
The clove hitch can be tied in two ways, but when you
need a knot that can be slipped over a post, or onto the end
of a rail or spar, it is faster and simpler to tie it in the bight
(i.e. in the middle).

3
Next, lay one loop on
top of the other, right
over left.

4
Slip these two loops
over the post or rail.

5
Pull both ends to
tighten the knot until it
fits snugly around the
post.

69

Rev_Reeds_Knots_inside pages.indd 69 16/07/2012 23:36