KNOT KNOWLEDGE

FRICTION HITCHES

Sliding Sheet Bend (aka Mooring Hitch)

This knot is used for the same purpose as the Tautline Hitch, but with a quick yank of the end, it is completely untied. This is a boon for those wearing gloves or who have cold, numb fingers. Moreover, unlike the Tautline Hitch, the Sliding Sheet Bend can be "locked" in place to prevent it sliding. It can also be unlocked to make it adjustable again. Though this knot has long been used in sailing (thanks, Scott, for pointing this out), I give credit to Dr. Peter Suber for posting instructions on the Web. I learned to tie this knot using his instructions, and you can visit his website for more knots like this.

Step 1

Wrap the end around the object it is to be secured to (a spool in this picture). Sliding Sheet Bend - Step 1

Step 2

Form a bight in the standing part, pointing away from the spool. Sliding Sheet Bend - Step 2

Step 3

Pull the end under the bight. Sliding Sheet Bend - Step 3

Step 4

Bring the end over the bight... Sliding Sheet Bend - Step 4

Step 5

...and form a loop. Sliding Sheet Bend - Step 5

Step 6

Now, form a bight in the end and stick it through the bight in the standing part. Sliding Sheet Bend - Step 6

Step 7

If you are tying this knot flat as pictured, it helps at this point to slide the bight in the end so that it is over the loop formed earlier. Sliding Sheet Bend - Step 7

Step 8

Pull on both ends of the bight in the standing part, removing the bight, so the standing part is straight as pictured. Keep the knot neat while doing this! Sliding Sheet Bend - Step 8

Finished Sliding Sheet Bend

Tighten the knot, so that the standing part forms a "hump" as it passes over the bight in the end. This is what creates the friction, and the friction can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the hump (by tightening and loosening the knot).

Finished Sliding Sheet Bend

This picture shows the knot having been slid further up the standing part. Note that the rope had to move around the spool in order for this to occur (like the Tautline Hitch).

Locked Sliding Sheet Bend

Once you have adjusted the knot to your satisfaction, it can be locked by tightening the knot by pulling on the non-sliding parts of the knot. To unlock, loosen and flatten the knot, to reduce the hump. To untie, simply yank on the end.

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Step 1
Wrap the end around the object it is to be secured to (a spool in this picture).

Step 2
Form a bight in the standing part, pointing away from the spool.

Step 6
Now, form a bight in the end and stick it through the bight in the standing part.

Step 7
If you are tying this knot flat as pictured, it helps at this point to slide the bight in the end so that it is over the loop formed earlier.

Step 8
Pull on both ends of the bight in the standing part, removing the bight, so the standing part is straight as pictured. Keep the knot neat while doing this!

Finished Sliding Sheet Bend
Tighten the knot, so that the standing part forms a "hump" as it passes over the bight in the end. This is what creates the friction, and the friction can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the hump (by tightening and loosening the knot).

Finished Sliding Sheet Bend
This picture shows the knot having been slid further up the standing part. Note that the rope had to move around the spool in order for this to occur (like the Tautline Hitch).

Locked Sliding Sheet Bend
Once you have adjusted the knot to your satisfaction, it can be locked by tightening the knot by pulling on the non-sliding parts of the knot. To unlock, loosen and flatten the knot, to reduce the hump. To untie, simply yank on the end.