TAKING. IT FURTHER Create lessons to demonstrate and learn how to tie the following knots: Timber hitch Highwayman s hitch Sheepshank Bowline Sheet bend Groups could then build knot boards showing how to tie each knot. Alternatively, put these knots into practice by using them as part of a larger pioneering project (see the book on pioneering and tying lashings). NOTES: Information Booklet 3 Simple Knots Compiled For Cambridgeshire Scouts August 2013
ESSENTIALS The ability to tie knots is a useful skill. Understanding the purpose of a particular type of knot and when it should be used is equally important. Using the wrong knot in an activity or situation can be dangerous. TYPES OF ROPE Laid ropes normally consist of three strands that run over each other from left to right. Traditionally they are made from natural fibres, but today are commonly made from synthetic materials. Braided ropes consist of a strong core of synthetic fibres, covered by a plaited or braided sheath. They are always made from synthetic materials. Natural ropes are made from materials such as hemp, sisal, manila and cotton. They are relatively cheap but have a low breaking strain. They may also have other unpredictable characteristics due to variations in the natural fibres. Simple Knots and Types of Rope Synthetic ropes are relatively expensive but hard wearing. They are generally lighter, stronger, more water resistant and less prone to rot than natural rope, and are often used in extreme conditions. Wire ropes are also available, but these are rarely used in Scouting. the knot using a different method (for example, making two loops and sliding them onto the end of a pole, which is the quickest way to tie a clove hitch). SUMMARISE What? This section checks understanding of the skill covered. How? Run a relay race with small teams of three or four. Each team has to collect the step-by-step knot tying cards and put them in the correct order. The winners are the first team to do this correctly. LESSON 3 Figure of Eight Knot (15 Minutes) Following a similar structure to the previous lesson, teach the group to tie a figure of eight knot. A common method of teaching this knot is to: 1. Make a face (by creating a loop in the rope) 2. Strangle it (by wrapping the working end around the base of the loop) 3. Bop him in the nose (by pushing the working end back through the loop). LESSON 4 Reef Knot (15 Minutes) Again, use a similar structure as the previous lesson to teach the group to tie a reef knot. A common method of teaching this knot is to: 1. Cross the left side over the right side 2. Tuck it under 3. Pass the right side over the left side 4. Tuck it under. Note: It can be useful to point out that it s the same end of rope that does all the moving it just changes sides halfway through the knot. You could also show a granny knot as an example of doing it wrong. LESSON 5 Round Turn & Two Half Hitches (15 Minutes) Use a similar structure as the previous lesson to teach the group to tie a round turn and two half hitches. Point out that this is a composite knot, meaning it can be broken down into simple sections hence the name of the knot.
of the rope and be able to identify it. SUMMARISE What? This section checks understanding of the skills covered. How? This competition for two or more teams encourages peer to peer feedback. Using a long piece of rope, each team must try to create as many shapes as they can in that length. All teams move to another rope and use cards or paper to indicate the shapes they can see. All teams evaluate their original rope and give the team a score out of 10. LESSON 2 The Clove Hitch(15 25 Minutes) COMMON KNOTS Working knots, as opposed to decorative knots, are usually one of the following types: Stopper knots, which are tied in the end of a line. Loops and nooses, such as a bowline or figure of eight. Bends, used to tie one rope to another. Hitches, used to fasten a rope to another object. Hitches rely on the rope being pulled under tension to hold fast. INTRODUCE What? The clove hitch and why it is used. How? Explain that each knot has a different use, but that most knots are variations on the same few shapes. Give examples of situations when a clove hitch is used and what materials or equipment it can be tied to (wooden poles, metal karabiners and so on). DEMONSTRATE What? How to tie a clove hitch to a wooden pole. How? Slowly demonstrate one way of tying this hitch to the pole. Do this in a series of clear steps, using one of two methods either round by round on the pole or by using loops, then sliding it onto the end of the pole. Repeat the demonstration at least once, showing the shape of the knot at each stage. Keep the knot flat and the hands open so that what you are doing can be seen clearly. EXPLAIN What? The shapes created, relating these back to lesson 1, providing easy ways to remember each step. How? During one or two of the demonstrations (but not all), describe what your hands are doing and give hints and tips to help participants remember how to tie it. For example, when tying the clove hitch using the round and round method, the rope crosses itself to look like the letter N. Also explain how to check the knot is a clove hitch and not another type of knot. APPLY What? Consolidate learning how to tie this knot. How? Using different materials to hitch to, ask participants to tie the clove hitch in pairs, so they can check each other s work. At this point, you may wish to return to the demonstration stage to show participants how to tie
Training Others This provides practical ideas to help teach other volunteers and young people how to tie simple knots. Training might take place informally on camp, or more formally as part of a skills workshop or training course. OBJECTIVES By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Name at least 3 parts of a rope 2. Tie at least 4 simple knots. EQUIPMENT At least one 5m length of rope per person Solid structures to tie knots on Diagrams of step by step knot tying Items required for training activities. LESSON 1 Parts of a Rope (15 Minutes) INTRODUCE What? Names of the shapes of rope needed to tie a knot. How? Ask the group what parts they know already to gauge current knowledge. DEMONSTRATE What? Working end, bight, loop, standing end, standing parts and why we create these shapes for knots. How? Lay out a coloured rope in a large space, ensuring that the whole group can see. Make a large loop and bight in the rope. Then stand next to the bight and loop and make a knot using that shape with a smaller piece of rope, laying it above the relevant part of the big rope. EXPLAIN What? What each part of the rope is. How? Working your way from one end to the other, use questions to elicit answers which lead to what you are doing. For example: I m working with this end of the rope, therefore it s the? (A: working end) APPLY What? Consolidate learning names of parts of the rope. How? Ask pairs of participants to use a length of rope to create the shapes shown in the demonstration. Each pair should form a different part
NOTES:
GOOD PRACTICE Look at the drawings and trace the various twists, crosses and bends with your eye, from the standing part to the working end, to see how the knot is constructed. Keep the rope and knot flat and your hands open as you tie the knot. Start at a point about 30cm from the working end of your rope. If the knot involves two working ends, work them together from the standing parts to the working ends. Make the first bend, turn or crossover before moving on to the next stage. Check the shape of the knot at each stage. Tighten the knot correctly so it doesn t form the wrong shape. Tie each knot using the diagrams a few times and then try it from memory. When you can tie it correctly three times in a row you ve probably got it, but continue to practice knots regularly. Many knots are made up of combinations of simple knots. Learning simple knots first will make tying complex knots much easier. SAFETY GUIDELINES Coil rope when not in use to prevent a trip hazard. Ensure that Scouts do not tie knots around their limbs or necks. Store rope correctly so it does not perish or rot, which can effect breaking strain. Check all ropes are in good condition before using them to bear a load or take a strain. If using knots to bear a load or take a strain, ensure that it has been tied correctly. An incorrectly tied knot may slip or come loose and cause injury or accidents Timber Hitch - Used to start lashings or to Haul