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How to Tie a Square Knot

Learning how to tie a square knot is so useful if you are a crafty person. A square knot is a very handy way to secure a variety of items. Follow this picture tutorial and learn the square knot for yourself.

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Tied Square Knot
Tied Square Knot

Tying a Secure Knot

Square knots are used in crafts that work with two pieces of yarn, string, cord, fabric, and the list goes on. As a farmer, we use square knots on the farm all the time. Knowing how to tie a secure knot is just a great skill to have. Note: If you are tying slippery cords together, you may opt for a different kind of knot such as a surgeons knot. Today, this tutorial is done using a bulky piece of yarn.

Left over Right, Right over Left

This is the basic formula for making the square knot. However, if you prefer, you can make yours right over left, left over right. The formula of left over right, right over left is the saying I used many years ago to learn this knot; and still use to this day.

Step 1 of Tying a Square Knot
Step 1 of Tying a Square Knot

Step 1 of Tying a Square Knot

To start a square knot, cross one side of the cord over the other side. In this case, the left side of the yarn is passed over the right side of the yarn. (If you prefer, you could start with putting the right side of the yarn over the left. However, I would recommend learning how to make the square knot first before tying it to your preference).

Step 2 of Tying a Square Knot
Step 2 of Tying This Knot

Step 2 of Tying Knot

To complete the first half of the square knot; take the yarn that that was crossed over the top and pass it under the right piece of yarn, and finally through the middle. The yarn that was passed over the right piece of yarn is now on the right side.

Step 3 of Tying a Square Knot
Step 3 of Tying a Square Knot

Step 3 of Process


Cross the right side of the yarn over the left side as shown in the photo.

Tying around an object: If you are tying the yarn around something; this is the stage to secure the object; both ends of the yarn would tighten up around the object. In the example shown, I am just tying two pieces of yarn together; therefore, I am not snugging up the yarn yet.

Step 4 of Tying Knot
Step 4 of Tying Knot

Step 4 of Process

Now it is time to complete the second half of the square knot; take the yarn that is now on the right side and pass it under the left piece of yarn; finally through the middle. The yarn that was passed over the left piece of yarn is now on the left side.

Final Step of Tying a Square Knot
Final Step of Tying a Square Knot

Final Step of Knot Tying Process

If you are tying the square knot over an object, then pull both pieces of the yarn or cord to tighten the knot. If you are just tying two pieces of yarn, cord, or string, then pull both sides to complete the square knot and tighten.

Double check that your knot is secure by tugging on it a bit. This knot should hold very securely.

That is all there is to it!

There are so many great uses.

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Looking for Craft Projects? Here are a few for you to consider.

If you would like to learn more knot tying tricks, there are nice tutorials on the Scouting Magazine website.

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