Welcome
Hello, knot explorer! Today we learn two of the most useful knots in the world.
A knot is a loop or twist in a rope or string that holds two things together.
You already use knots every day. Shoes. Gift bows. Maybe even your hair!
Grab a shoelace or a piece of string and let's begin.
Warm-Up
Let's Start!
Before we learn new knots, let's think about ones you already know.
Meet the Square Knot
The Square Knot
A square knot joins two ropes into one.
It is the knot of bandages, friendship bracelets, and tying a bundle of sticks together.
Try this rhyme as you tie it: right over left, left over right.
Cross one end over, then cross the other end back the other way. Pull both sides tight.
Two ropes go in. One strong knot comes out.
What Does a Square Knot Do?
Look at the picture. Look at your fingers. Think about what just happened.
Meet the Bowline
The Bowline
A bowline (say it like BOH-lin) makes a loop at the end of a rope.
The loop stays the same size no matter how hard you pull.
Sailors call it the king of knots because it holds tight under heavy pull and unties when slack.
Try this story as you tie it: the rabbit comes out of the hole, around the tree, and back down the hole.
The hole is a small loop you make first. The rabbit is the rope end. The tree is the long part of the rope.
What Does a Bowline Make?
Look at the rope shape in the picture.
Where Knots Hide
Knots All Around Us
Knots hold a tent up against the wind.
Knots keep your shoe on your foot.
Knots hang a swing from a tree branch.
Knots tie a present, lash a paddle, secure a load. The world depends on them.
Find a Knot at Home
Look around your home or yard in your mind.
Your Turn to Practice
What a day!
You learned two knots: the square knot to join two ropes and the bowline to make a loop.
The best way to remember a knot is to tie it many times. Each time gets faster.
Grab two shoelaces. Sit at the kitchen table. Ask a grown-up to watch you try.