Page 94 - Peter Randall "The Craft of the Knot.."

When tied correctly, the Cleat Hitch has a distinctive loop, with one line
on top crossing two parallel lines under it.

STEP 1 Pass the line once around the base, and bring it diagonally
across the top.

STEP 2 Pass the running end under one end of the cleat and back
diagonally across and on top of the previous pass.

STEP 3 Form a crossing turn with the running end on the bottom.