Troop 1776 Knotmaster Program Congratulations on embarking on the Troop 1776 Knotmaster Program! The purpose of the Knotmaster Program is to encourage participants to learn to tie a full range of useful and practical knots. By the time you complete the Black level you will have mastered and have at your disposal at least 37 new knots! Goals Of The Knotmaster Program Provide a process and environment to learn knot skills for rank advancement, merit badges and everyday practical situations. Provide opportunities for one-on-one teaching using the E.D.G.E. method. Continually test knotting skills so they are reinforced and improved. Provide opportunities for mastery and advancement with increasingly challenging knot levels. Recognize self-directed effort and achievement and encourage participation. Program Overview Knots are grouped into increasingly challenging levels comprised of 9 knots each. Once a level is completed the participant receives a colored cord to wear on his Knotmaster Carabiner. These colored cords serve to recognize the participant s achievement, and to identify him as a learning resource for other participants. Upon starting the program the participant receives a basic introduction, along with a practice rope, progress card and knot sheet. The participant may learn knots in any order, and may learn knots from any level at any time. However, he must advance through the levels sequentially. Progress will be tracked on the Knotmaster Progress Card. Participants in the program are known as Knotters. Those who advance to the Black Level are Knotmasters.
Knot Signoff When a Knotter feels he has mastered a knot sufficiently to be signed off, he can approach any Knotter or Knotmaster who is at least one level higher and ask to be signed off. Signing off may only happen at Troop meetings and on official Troop outings as time allows. For each knot, the participant: 1. States the name of the knot. 2. States the type of knot. 3. Provides at least one example of an appropriate use for the knot. 4. Ties the knot correctly within two attempts, with no outside advice, or written or drawn instruction. 5. If the participant is unable to complete these steps accurately, he must wait at least one day before being checked for that knot again. This will encourage the participant to practice and master the knot before retesting. Level Advancement Participants will be awarded a Knotmaster Carabiner and colored cords to recognize their accomplishment and advancement through the levels of the program. The carabiner and cords are considered to be part of the Class A uniform and are appropriate for any occasion. To advance to the next level the Knotter must have all of the knots in his current level signed off. He will then approach the Knotmaster Chief and ask to be tested for level advancement. Level Advancement testing will be conducted by either the Knotmaster Chief or an assigned Knotmaster. The Knotter will be asked to correctly tie three (3) knots from the level being tested, as well as one (1) knot from every level previously earned. These knots will be selected by the Knotmaster who is conducting the test. The Knotter will also be asked to define any three (3) of the knotting terms associated with the current level being tested, as selected by the Knotmaster. Level Advancement testing is performed under the same rules as for Knot Signoff (as described above). If the Knotter fails any one knot after two (2) attempts, he must wait at least one day to test for advancement again. If the Knotter successfully completes Level Advancement testing, he is immediately awarded the level s colored cord to be worn on the carabiner. Wearing the Cords When not in use, the award cords should be tied to the Knotmaster carabiner using the Rope Carry Knot. The Troop 1776 Knotmaster carabiner is awarded upon completion of the White level and is worn clipped to either the left or right side pants belt loop. Troop 1776 considers the Knotmaster carabiner and cords to be a part of the Class A uniform and they may be worn at all formal and informal functions.
Level 0: Introduction Knots: Overhand Knot Terms: Standing End - the end of the rope that is not being knotted. The standing part lies between the standing end and the knot. Working (or Running) End - the end of the rope used in forming a knot. Bight - made by folding a length of the rope so that the two parts lie alongside each other without crossing. Loop - made when a rope forms a partial circle with the ends crossing. Underhand Loop - formed when the working end of the rope is place under the standing end. Overhand Loop - formed when the working end of the rope is placed on top of the standing end. Overhand Knot (Thumb Knot, Half Knot) Type: Stopper Uses: Stopper knot; forms the basis for many other knots. The Overhead Knot is one of the most fundamental knots and forms the basis for many other knots. It is the simplest way to tie a quick and easy stopper knot, and can be used to keep the end of a rope from unraveling. The Overhand Knot is very secure, but can bind tightly, especially in smaller line, and should be used when the knot is intended to be permanent.
Level 1: White Knots: Square Knot Figure Eight Knot Clove Hitch Surgeon s Knot Two Half Hitches Taut-line Hitch Sheet Bend Round Turn and Timber Hitch Two Half Hitches Terms: Binding Knot - a knot used to confine a single object or to keep a group of objects together. Bend - a knot used to join two ropes together at their ends. Hitch - a knot used to fasten a rope to an object. Stopper Knot - a knot tied at the end of a rope, usually to prevent a rope from passing through a pulley or other device. Turn - when a rope passes completely around an object one time. Round Turn - when a rope passes around an object twice. Square Knot (Reef Knot) Type: Binding Uses: Tying shoelaces, binding bundles, tying bandages. The Square Knot is an ancient and simple knot commonly used to bind packages and bundles. It is wellsuited for tying bandages, as the knot lies flat, making the dressing more comfortable and effective. When tied correctly, the working ends will lie on the same side of the knot. If they are on opposite sides, the result is called a Thief Knot. The slipped version of the Square Knot, known as the Bowknot, is universally used to fasten shoelaces. While easy to tie, the Square Knot can capsize easily and should not be trusted. Never use the Square Knot as a bend (to join two ropes) or for critical loads. Level 1: White
Surgeon s Knot (Ligature Knot) Type: Binding Uses: Situations where a binding knot is tied under load; suturing; variations used in fly fishing. The Surgeon's Knot is a simple modification to the Square Knot. It adds an extra tuck when tying the first overhand, forming a double overhand, thus adding friction and preventing the knot from slipping while the final part of the knot is tied. The Surgeon s Knot has more holding power than the Square Knot and is commonly used by surgeons in situations where it is important to maintain tension while tying a suture. Sheet Bend Type: Bend Uses: Joining ropes of similar or different sizes. The Sheet Bend is a simple-to-tie knot that was considered the sailor s most essential general utility bend. This knot s name is derived from its shipboard use in tying the sheets (a piece of running rigging used to trim the sails). When tied correctly, the working ends will lie on the same side of the knot. If they are on opposite sides, it s called a Left-Hand Sheet Bend and is less secure. When doubled, the Sheet Bend is effective in securely joining lines of different diameters or that are slippery. When used to join lines of unequal size, the larger line should form the bight, with the thinner line forming the nipped hitch portion of the knot. The Sheet Bend may work loose if not under load and should be considered a temporary knot. Level 1: White
Figure Eight Knot (Flemish Knot) Type: Stopper Uses: Simple stopper knot; basis for many other knots. The Figure Eight Knot provides a quick and simple stopper knot that does not bind and can be untied easily. This knot forms the basis for many climbing knots, including the Figure Eight Bend, The Double Figure Eight Loop and the In-Line Figure Eight. When not loaded the Figure Eight may shake loose. Two Half Hitches Type: Hitch Uses: A quick and temporary tie-off to a post. Two Half Hitches is a reliable and useful knot for attaching a rope to a pole or boat mooring. As its name suggests, it is formed from two half hitches, one after the other. To finish, push the half hitches together and snug them by pulling on the standing part. Note that the two half hitches form a Clove Hitch around the standing end of the rope. To make this knot easier to untie, slip the second hitch (by pulling a bight through the hitch instead of the end of the rope). Level 1: White
Round Turn and Two Half Hitches Type: Hitch Uses: A more secure temporary tie-off to a post. The Round Turn with Two Half Hitches is the most common hitch used when the knot will not need to be adjusted (this knot must be untied to be adjusted). The round turn is very important as it takes the strain while the hitches are tied and provides extra security in the finished knot by taking the strain from the hitches. Clove Hitch Type: Hitch Uses: A quick, easily adjustable hitch; basis for many lashings. The Clove Hitch, along with the Bowline and the Sheet Bend, is considered one of the most essential knots. It consists of two identical half hitches made successively around an object. Although the Clove Hitch can be used as a binding knot, it is not particularly secure in that role. This knot has two major faults: it can slip and it can bind so tightly that it becomes impossible to untie. This knot should not be considered a permanent connection, and should not be used for critical or heavy loads. The Clove Hitch can be used to start most lashings, and can serve as a quick temporary hitch to tie a rope to a post. This version of the Clove Hitch should be tied by Threading the End. Level 1: White
Taut-line Hitch (Adjustable Hitch) Type: Hitch Uses: Fastening lines under tension; tent or fly guy lines, tying down cargo. The Taut-line Hitch is particularly useful on lines under tension. This knot allows for the length of a line to be periodically adjusted in order to maintain tension without untying the knot. Tension in the line can be adjusted by sliding the knot to change the effective length of the standing part. Timber Hitch (Lumberman s Hitch, Countryman s Hitch) Type: Hitch Uses: Temporary hitch for attaching a rope to a round object; dragging logs or poles, attaching guitar strings. The Timber Hitch is traditionally used to hoist or drag logs or poles. It is also the knot that starts the Diagonal Lashing. The Timber Hitch will remain secure as long as tension is placed on the standing end of the rope. When tension is released, the knot is easily loosened and untied. When used to drag a log or heavy pole, the Timber Hitch is usually placed near the center of the log and a separate half hitch is tied near the end of the log to act as a guide and to improve the stability of the Timber Hitch. This combination of a Timber Hitch with an additional half hitch is known as a Killick Hitch. Level 1: White
Level 2: Green Knots: Slip Knot Bowline Diagonal Lashing Noose Knot Heaving Line Knot Shear Lashing Safety Knot Square Lashing Tripod Lashing Terms: Dress a Knot - to adjust the components of a knot to optimize security and strength. Loop Knot - a knot that locks a section of rope into a circle or other closed form. Lashing - the use of multiple wrapping and frapping turns to secure two or more poles together. Wrapping Turn - in a lashing, a turn made around the two poles to hold them together tightly. Frapping Turn - in a lashing, a turn made between the poles and around the wraps to pull the wraps tighter. Racking Turns - in a lashing, turns that pass back and forth between poles to bind them more tightly. Racking turns may be used in the Tripod Lashing. Slip Knot Type: Stopper Uses: Temporary stopper knot. The Slip Knot is identical in structure to the Noose Knot, except the bight to be inserted is formed in the short end rather than in the long end. Close examination will reveal that the Slip Knot is actually a simple Overhand Knot tied with a bight, so could be called a Slipped Overhand. It is one of the most frequently tied knots, and makes a good temporary stopper knot that is easily untied. The Slip Knot illustrates a basic principle: putting a bight into the final tuck of a knot, instead of using the end of the rope, makes untying most basic knots quick and easy, even when the knot is tightly bound. Level 2: Green
Noose Knot Type: Loop Uses: Snare line; binding packages; pack lashing. The Noose Knot is identical in structure to the Slip Knot, except the bight to be inserted is formed in the long end rather than in the short end. This knot yields a loop that will tighten under tension, but is easily loosened. The Noose Knot and its variations have traditionally been used in snaring birds and small animals. If an additional Overhand Knot is added to the standing end the result is called an Arbor Knot, which is used to tie fishing line to the arbor, or center spool, of a fishing reel. Safety Knot (Double Overhand Knot) Type: Stopper Uses: Prevent the end of a rope from running through a hole or pulley; secure the standing end of other knots. The Safety Knot is essentially an Overhand Knot with an extra crossing turn. The result is a very reliable knot that can be used as a stopper or to reinforce many other less reliable knots. Level 2: Green
Bowline Knot Type: Loop Uses: Forming a fixed loop at the end of a rope; rescue line; mooring line. The Bowline Knot takes its name from the bow line, a rope that holds the edge of a square sail towards the bow of the ship and into the wind. The Bowline, often referred to as The King of Knots, is an extremely versatile knot with a multitude of uses. When tied and dressed correctly it forms a secure fixed loop that will not slip or bind. The Bowline will not tighten down on an object it s looped around and so can be used to form a loop in the end of a rescue line. When the Bowline is properly tied, the tail lies in the middle of the loop. Passing the opposite way around the standing part results in a Left-Handed Bowline, which is less reliable than the standard Bowline. It is possible for the Bowline to work loose when not loaded. The knot can be made more reliable by fastening the tail of the Bowline to the loop or to the standing part with a Safety Knot. Heaving Line Knot (Monk s Knot) Type: Stopper Uses: Weighting a line for throwing; shorten rope end; decoration. The Heaving Line Knot is useful for weighting the end of a rope for heaving, or throwing. A heaving line is a small line that is thrown from a boat to the dock so that it can be used to pull a heavier line over. The Heaving Line Knot creates a large stopper knot that can be used to shorten or decorate the end of a rope. Level 2: Green
Square Lashing Type: Lashing Uses: Joining poles that meet at right angles; square structures; scaffolding. Lashings are used to tie together poles, spars and branches and can be used to build all kinds of structures and camp equipment. Lashing are composed of two parts: Wrapping turns and Frapping turns. Wraps are made around the poles to hold them tightly together. Fraps are made between the poles and around the wraps, and serve to pull the wraps even tighter. A Square Lashing is used to bind together poles that meet at right angles. This type of lashing starts and ends with a Clove Hitch. The key to tying a good Square Lashing is to keep tension on the lashing at all stages. Diagonal Lashing Type: Lashing Uses: Joining poles that meet at a variety of angles; structural support. The Diagonal Lashing is used to secure poles that cross at a variety of angles. This type of lashing is generally used for bracing and non-load bearing support. Large, semi-permanent structures may be built with a combination of Square Lashings, which are stronger, and Diagonal Lashings. The Diagonal Lashing starts with a Timber Hitch and ends with a Clove Hitch. The initial Timber Hitch serves to pull and hold the two poles together while the lashing is tied. Level 2: Green
The Shear Lashing is used to lash the ends of two poles together. Poles secured using this lashing can be spread and raised as an A-frame for a variety of structures. If making an A-frame, use only moderate tension in the wrapping turns; if the poles are wrapped too tightly it will prove difficult to spread them to form the A-frame. The frapping turns in this and any other lashing should be as tight as possible to make the lashing secure. The Shear Lashing starts and ends with a Clove Hitch. Shear Lashing Type: Lashing Uses: Lashing the ends of two poles together; A-frame. Tripod Lashing Type: Lashing Uses: Lashing three poles to form a tripod; tepees; table supports; weather rock. The Tripod Lashing is used to bind three poles together to form a tripod. In preparing to tie this lashing the poles may be laid out with their ends lined up evenly, or with the center pole extending in the opposite direction. Once the lashing is tied the legs are spread out to form a balanced tripod. It is possible to tie the Tripod Lashing too tightly. Like in the Shear Lashing, the wrapping turns for the Tripod Lashing should be made with moderate tension and the frapping turns made tightly. Trial and error may be necessary to obtain the correct tension. The Tripod Lashing starts and ends with a Clove Hitch. Clove Hitch Racking Turns Clove Hitch Level 2: Green
Level 3: Blue Knots: Figure Eight on a Bight Alpine Butterfly Palomar Knot Clove Hitch on a Bight Double Fisherman s Zeppelin Bend Bowline on a Bight Improved Clinch Knot Trucker s Hitch Terms: On a Bight (In the Bight) - this phrase means a bight, or a doubled-over section of rope, is being used to make a knot. Specifically, this means that the knot can be formed without access to the ends of the rope. Many knots normally tied with an end also have a form which is tied on a bight. Slipped Knot - a quick release knot formed by passing a bight in the final tuck, rather than the end. Slipped knot forms are more easily untied. Capsized Knot (Spilled Knot) - a knot that has undergone a change in form due to strain. When used inappropriately, some knots tend to capsize easily or even spontaneously. Sometimes a knot is intentionally capsized as a method of tying another knot. Figure Eight on a Bight (Figure Eight Loop) Type: Stopper Uses: Quick, secure loop; tying into a climbing harness or carabiner. The Figure Eight on a Bight is tied in the same way as the Figure Eight Knot, except that the knot is formed using a bight, or doubled-over section of rope, instead of the end of the rope. The Figure Eight on a Bight is an easy way to tie a simple, reliable loop. If the knot is used for load-bearing, the working end should be left long and then secured around the standing part using a Safety Knot. Once tied, the knot should be carefully dressed so that the two outermost turns are brought in snug against the ropes they enclose. Dressed this way the knot better withstands a load. Level 3: Blue
Clove Hitch on a Bight Type: Hitch Uses: A quick, easily adjustable hitch; basis for many lashings. The Clove Hitch on a Bight forms the same knot as the standard Clove Hitch. The difference is in how the knot is tied. While the standard Clove Hitch is tied by Threading the End, the Clove Hitch on a Bight is tied by stacking two Crossing Loops, slipping them over a post or other object, and then tightening. The Clove Hitch on a Bight can be tied without access to the ends of the rope. Slip finished loops over pole or other object. Bowline on a Bight Type: Loop Uses: Forming a secure double loop; bosun s chair; toe/handhold; rescue line. The Bowline on a Bight is similar to the regular Bowline, except that it is tied on a bight rather than with the end of the rope. It makes a quick, secure double loop anywhere in the rope that will not slip or bind. The Bowline on a Bight can be used to provide a fixed loop in the middle of a rope or to make an emergency bosun's chair. This knot may slip if only one loop is loaded. Level 3: Blue
Alpine Butterfly (Butterfly Loop, Lineman s Loop) Type: Loop Uses: Tie a secure loop in the middle of a rope; handhold; isolate a damaged section of rope. The Alpine Butterfly is used to provide a stable, secure loop in the middle of a rope. Load can be safely applied on either or both standing ends, as well as on the loop. The Alpine Butterfly will not flip over or slip and is easily untied even after being put under strain. This knot may be used to shorten a rope or to isolate a worn or damaged section of rope. Double Fisherman s (Grapevine Bend) Type: Bend Uses: Joining lengths of fishing line; tying together two climbing ropes; Prusik Loop. The Double Fisherman s Knot is one of the most reliable bends, and is the preferred bend for tying together climbing ropes or forming a Prusik Loop. When used to join lengths of fishing line, the Double Fisherman s Knot offers more security than the standard Fisherman s Knot when tied in monofilament and other slippery material. The Double Fisherman s Knot is a symmetrical bend formed by tying a Safety Knot (Double Overhand Knot) in each rope around the standing part of the other rope. Level 3: Blue
Improved Clinch Knot Type: Hitch Uses: Attaching hooks, lures and swivels to fishing line. The Improved Clinch Knot is one of the most widely used fishing knots for securing a fishing line to a hook, lure, or swivel. This knot is one of many fishing knots that need to capsize when tightened in order to assume their correct final form. The Improved Clinch Knot works well with thin monofilament fishing line. Palomar Knot Type: Hitch Uses: Attaching hooks, lures and flies to fishing line; tying a dog clip to a rope. The Palomar Knot is regarded as one of the strongest, most reliable knots for attaching a line to a hook or lure, or a fly to a leader or tippet. Positioning the final loop of the knot against the bight rather than against the shaft of the hook is preferable, as it leaves the hook free to rotate. The Palomar Knot is good for all types of fishing line. Level 3: Blue
Zeppelin Bend (Rosendahl Bend) Type: Bend Uses: Securely joining two lengths of rope. The Zeppelin Bend was named for US Navy officer Charles Rosendahl, who purportedly insisted that zeppelins under his command be moored using this knot. The Zeppelin Bend is one of several bends employing interlocking overhand knots. It is a very reliable bend that holds its shape whether loaded or not. What distinguishes the Zeppelin Bend is the ease with which it can be untied, even after being heavily loaded. Other well-known bends may jam tight and have to be cut to release them. Correctly arranging and tying the Zeppelin Bend is critical, as this knot, once tightened, may be difficult to distinguish from other, inferior bends. Level 3: Blue
Trucker s Hitch Type: Hitch Uses: Securing cargo or tarpaulins on trucks and trailers. The Trucker's Hitch is a compound knot commonly used for securing loads on trucks or trailers. The structure of the knot, using loops and turns in the rope itself to form a crude block and tackle, provides a theoretical mechanical advantage of 3-to-1, allowing the rope to be drawn down very tightly. There are several variations of the Trucker s Hitch in widespread use. The common elements are a knot to create a loop at the top, the 3-to-1 purchase created by passing the working end through the top loop, and a hitch to secure the end. The version illustrated below starts with a Slipped Figure Eight Knot to create the top loop, and the final knot is secured with Two Half Hitches. Other options to create the top loop include the Noose Knot, the Bowline on a Bight and the Alpine Butterfly. Level 3: Blue
Level 4: Red Knots: Monkey s Fist Round Sinnet Chain Sinnet Chinese Button Square Sinnet French Whipping Turk s Head Cobra Stitch Camp Gadget (project) Monkey s Fist Type: Decorative Uses: Makes a decorative knob on the end of a rope; key fob; may be used to weight a rope for heaving. Traditionally used to weight the end of a heaving line, the Monkey s Fist can be used to make a large decorative ball at the end of a rope. To give the Monkey s Fist a finished look, tie a stopper knot in the standing end of the rope and tuck it into the knot before tightening the turns. 1. Make the initial set of three vertical 2. Hold the turns in place as you add three horizontal turns. 3. Add three turns that passing through the middle of the knot, wrapping around the horizontal turns. 4. Keeping the loops in place, carefully work the slack out through the knot, one turn at a time. Level 4: Red
Chinese Button (Knife Lanyard Knot, Diamond Knot, Friendship Knot) Type: Decorative Uses: Decorative round or flattened button; knife lanyard; key fob. The Chinese Button Knot was traditionally used to fashion a soft, durable button for fastening clothing. The knot can be woven and tightened to form a small, rounded button-like shape and used to decorate the end of a cord. Alternatively, if the top loop of the knot is left long, the knot is often referred to as a Knife Lanyard Knot or Friendship Knot, and may used as a decorative knife lanyard or key fob. 1. Form two overhand loops as pictured below. 2. Pull a short bight through the loop on the right, then pass the long end under the short end and pass it through the bight. This will form a Carrick Bend. 3. Pass the same end up and outside the bight, then through the diamond-shaped center of the Carrick Bend, as indicated by the arrow below. 4. Now pass the other end around and through the center of the Carrick Bend. 5. Both ends have now passed through the Carrick Bend. To tighten, carefully work the slack out through the knot. 6. In the knot pictured below the center loop has been left long to form a Knife Lanyard Knot. To form the Chinese Button Knot, carefully pull the slack out of the center loop as the knot is tightened, and the loop will be draw into the center, forming a neat button. Level 4: Red
Turk s Head Type: Decorative Uses: Woggle; decoration for handle or walking stick; possible binding. The Turk s Head is a decorative knot composed of a variable number of strands woven together to form a closed loop. While generally formed around a cylinder, the knot can also be created in a spherical shape or as a flat, mat-like shape. The Turk s Head, which takes its name from its resemblance to a turban, is primarily a decorative knot, and can be used to create a woggle (neckerchief slide) or to decorate a walking stick. If tightened, the Turk s Head may serve as a binding. The illustration below shows the first winding pass. To double, repeat the pattern. To finish the knot, trim the ends, tuck them inside the knot and fuse. Pass the running end twice around the bar, then over and under as indicated by the arrow. Flip the right crossing over the left one. Thread the running end through the right crossing as indicated by the arrow. To double the knot, bring the running end around the back to the original start and follow the same pattern again, staying next to the cord you are doubling without crossing over it. Level 4: Red
Crown Sinnet (Round and Square) Type: Decorative Uses: Creating lanyards, key fobs and decorative handles; macramé. The term Sinnet (also Sennit) refers to cordage braided from rope, dried grass or other natural fibers. Sinnet has come to describe various braiding and plaiting techniques used by sailors to create useful or decorative items shipboard. The Crown Sinnet is based on a series of stacked Crown Knots tied with four cords or ropes, and can be used to create a variety of decorative items, including lanyards, key fobs, straps and bracelets. The method illustrated below, in which each successive Crown Knot is tied in a counterclockwise direction, will yield a solid cylindrical braid that is typically referred to as a Round Sinnet, or a Spiral Sinnet. If the direction of each successive Crown Knot is alternated (first knot tied moving counterclockwise, the next tied to clockwise, etc.), the result will be a square-sided column of knots called a Square Sinnet. Other variations include using different color cords and using more than four cords. To start the Crown Sinnet, the cords can be fused or simply overlapped. Alternatively, the top loop can be left long or a ring can be attached before the Crown Knots are tied. The Crown Sinnet can be finished by fusing the ends of the cords, tying a decorative finishing knot, or attaching the cords to a ring or other object. Form the first Crown Knot. Tighten the first knot, and form the next as shown. Tighten the second knot on top of the first, and continue until the sinnet reaches the desired length. Round Sinnet Square Sinnet Level 4: Red
Cobra Stitch (Solomon Bar, Portuguese Sinnet) Type: Decorative Uses: Lanyard; wrist band, rope storage. The Cobra Stitch is one of the most widely used lanyard knots. It is composed of a series of alternating half knots tied around a two-strand core, creating what is essentially a stack of Square Knots around the core. The Cobra Stitch can be used to create an endless variety of straps and lanyards, and is commonly used to tie paracord survival bracelets. Variations include the King Cobra, a double-wide version in which an additional series of knots is tied using the initial Cobra Stitch as a core, and the Twisted Cobra, a twisting version created by tying Granny Knots rather than Square Knots. 1. The Cobra Stitch is composed of a series of alternating half knots (overhand knots). To begin, form a long loop and tie an overhand knot. 2. Tie a half knot around the loop and tighten. 3. Keeping the same rope in front, tie another half knot and tighten. 4. Keep repeating the pattern until you reach the top of the loop. Notice that the same rope remains in front for the entire Cobra Stitch. Leave the last several knots loose. 5. Tuck the ends inside the loose knots. 6. Tighten the loose knots and trim the ends off. Level 4: Red
Chain Sinnet (Daisy Chain, Monkey Braid) Type: Decorative Uses: Shorten or decorate a length of rope; prevent a long rope from tangling; rope handle. The Chain Sinnet is a simple method for creating a chain of loops in a rope or cable. It can be used to shorten a rope for easy handling and storage, and can also be used to create a decorative handle or pull cord. A simple tug on the working end will cause the chain of loops to spill apart. 1. Begin with a Noose Knot (Slipped Overhand Knot). 2. Next, form a short bight in the working end and tuck it through the noose. Continue to form bights and tuck them through the previous bight, building up a chain of loops. 3. When the chain is long enough, lock it by passing the working end through the final loop. To spill the Chain Sinnet, withdraw the working end back out of the final loop and pull. French Whipping Type: Decorative Uses: Wrapping a walking stick grip; whipping the end of a rope to prevent unraveling. French Whipping is the most basic form of a type of decorative knotwork known as Coxcombing. Traditionally, sailors used coxcombing to dress up shipboard items, as well as to create protective coverings over handles or rails to provide a better grip. The French Whipping is created by tying a series of half hitches around a rail, and provides a quick and easy method to create an interesting and useful handgrip on a walking stick or other similar cylindrical object. Level 4: Red
Camp Gadget Uses: Limited only by your imagination. Often referred to as a campsite improvement, a Camp Gadget is any improvised knotting or lashing project that contributes to making camp life more convenient or comfortable. The possibilities are endless! Examples include a tripod to support a water basin, lantern or trash bag; clothes- or dish-drying rack; simple table; fire bucket holder; weather rock; or rain gauge. Camp gadgets can also be constructed on a grander scale with the approval of your Scoutmaster or Knotmaster Chief; possibilities include a camp entrance or gateway; flagpole; bridge; or shelter. This is an opportunity to use your imagination and knot skills to create a Camp Gadget to use while you are camping. Your Camp Gadget should incorporate some of the knots you have learned while participating in the Knotmaster program. In addition, it should be well-constructed, aesthetically pleasing, and serve a purpose. Remember to keep the Leave No Trace principles in mind while building your camp gadget. Be sure to present your Camp Gadget idea to the Knotmaster Chief for approval before you begin. Level 4: Red
Level 5: Black (Knotmaster) Knots: New Knot Rope Project New Knot Demonstration Uses: Knotter s Choice (with approval) To reach Knotmaster status you will research, learn and present a knot that is not found in the Knotmaster program. You will demonstrate how to tie the new knot and describe appropriate uses for the knot along with any applicable history, first to the Knotmaster Chief or an assigned Knotmaster, then to the Troop as a whole at a Troop meeting or official Troop outing. The knot you choose should be interesting, useful, and worthy of the Knotmaster level. Remember to present your New Knot suggestion to the Knotmaster Chief for approval before you begin. Rope Project Uses: Limited only by your imagination. The final requirement to reach Knotmaster status is to conceive of and complete a Rope Project that incorporates at least three of the knots that you have learned in the previous levels. The Rope Project may also include knots that do not appear in the Knotmaster program, if appropriate. Your Rope Project should be interesting, useful, aesthetically pleasing, and worthy of the Knotmaster level. In addition, your project should benefit others; when completed, your rope project should serve a useful or decorative purpose for the Troop, your Patrol, your family, or any other group or institution. Or your project could be completed as a gift or memento for a person, group or institution. Past projects have included an elaborately decorated hiking staff, inventive key fobs and knife lanyards that expanded upon the concepts covered in the Knotmaster program, and paracord rosaries that were gifted to US soldiers stationed overseas. Remember to present your Rope Project idea to the Knotmaster Chief for approval before you begin. Level 5: Black