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?

A sheet bend knot is used for tying two ropes of different diameter together. A handy tip is to always use the thicker rope as the simple bight (as shown in the video)

What could you use it for?

You can use this whenever you are in need of one long rope, but only have two shorter ones. 

What you will need:

a collections of different types of rope and string

Any two bits of rope (shoe lace, string, skipping rope)

Step 1

Form a bight (a loop like in the image above) in the thicker bit of rope, and make sure you have the other bit of rope nearby.

An image for 'Step 1'

Step 2

Pass the end of the thinner rope through the bight.

An image for 'Step 2'

Step 3

Now wrap the end of the thinner rope round the tail of the bight, getting ready to finish off the knot.

An image for 'Step 3'

Step 4

Tuck the thinner rope under itself (it should be a bit snug)

An image for 'Step 4'

Step 5

Now pull tight and make sure the knot is 'dressed' well. This means that the knot is not loose and the rope is arranged in a way that improves the knot's performance. 

An image for 'Step 5'

Congratulations!

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