How do you safely hoist a sail? Or securely tie your boat to the dock post? With knots and hitches! Watch our demonstrations and put your sailor skills to the test. 

What is it used for?

The round turn and two half hitches was traditionally used for holding mooring lines. The knot fastens a rope to a fixed object such as a post, tree, ring or column. It is a strong knot and consists of two parts - a round turn and two half hitches. The round turn takes the initial strain and controls the load as you complete the knot. 

What could you use it for?

This knot is an easy one to undo, and it doesn't jam too easily either. This makes it perfect for things like attaching a line to make a badminton net, attaching a swing seat to a frame, or tying it to something to help move it - how about a bucket!

Practice the knot on a bucket handle and once you have mastered it, you can try passing things in and out of a window - stick to the ground floor, though!

You will need:

a collections of different types of rope and string

Any kind of rope (shoelaces, string, skipping rope)

Step 1

Get your rope and something to tie it onto. We're using a broom handle.

An image for 'Step 1'

Step 2

Pass one end of the rope round the 'post' twice. This is your round turn.

An image for 'Step 2'

Step 3

Make a loop around the standing end, and poke the other end upwards through the hole you have just made, and pull tight. This is your first half hitch! 

An image for 'Step 3'

Step 4

Create your second half hitch by repeating step 3, making sure you continue in the same direction. 

An image for 'Step 4'

Step 5

Pull the knot nice and tightly, making sure the rope is arranged neatly. This will improve the performance of your knot. Now get tying! 

An image for 'Step 5'

Congratulations!

Great knot! Don't forget to try out some of the other knots on our website!