Knot

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A knot is a method for fastening or securing linear material such as rope by tying or interweaving. It may consist of a length of one or more segments of rope, string, webbing, twine, strap or even chain interwoven so as to create in the line the ability to bind to itself or to some other object - the "load". Knots have been the subject of interest both for their ancient origins, common use, and the mathematical implications of knot theory.

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Usage

Some knots are well adapted to bind to particular objects such as another rope, cleat, ring, stake or to constrict an object. Decorative knots usually bind to themselves to produce attractive patterns.

Knots are essential in many industrial, work, home or recreational activities. Even simple activities such as running a load from the hardware store to home can result in disaster if a clumsy twist in a cord passes for a knot. Truckers needing to tie down a load may use a trucker's hitch, gaining mechanical advantage. Knots can save the spelunker from foolishly becoming buried under millions of tons of rock. Whatever the activity, on the water sailing or on a cliff-side rock climbing, learning well tested knots prior to some hazardous activity introduces a critical measure of safety. In addition to safety, appropriate knots can prevent the necessity of cutting lines.

In ropework, the frayed end of a rope is held together by a type of knot called a whipping knot.

Many types of textiles use knots to repair damage. Macrame, one kind of textile, is generated exclusively through the use of knotting, instead of knits, crochets, weaves or felting. Macrame can produce self-supporting three dimensional textile structures, as well as flat work, and is often used ornamentally or decoratively.

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Components

Image:BightLoopElbow.jpg

Bight
The center part of a length of rope, string, or yarn (cf knitting and knitting needle) as opposed to the ends. The definition changes depending on whether the definite or indefinite article is used:
  • "The bight" is any portion of the rope, string, or yarn between its two ends.
  • "A bight" is a U-shaped loop used in making a knot or stitch. Many knots, such as the bowline can be tied in either the end or the bight.
Bitter end
More a ropeworker's term than a knot term, the reference is to the end of a rope that is tied off, hence the expression "to the bitter end". A bitt is a metal block with a crosspin used for tying lines to, found on docks.
Efficiency 
The approximate strength of a rope with a given knot as compared to the rope's strength without the knot, expressed at a percentage. A rope containing a knot is weaker than an unknotted rope, because the loops of the knot impose uneven stresses upon the rope fibers. The tighter the knot, the more uneven the stress.
Elbow 
Two crossing points created by an extra twist in a loop.
Loop 
A full circle formed by passing the working end over itself. Note that the term 'loop' is also used to refer to a category of knots (see 'Categories' below).
Standing end
The end of the rope not involved in making the knot, often shown as unfinished.
Standing part
Section of line between knot and the standing end.
Working end
The active end of a line used in making the knot. May also be called the 'running end' or 'live end'.
Working part
Section of line between knot and the working end.
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Categories

The list of knots is extensive, but common properties allow for a useful system of categorization. For example, loop knots share the attribute of having some kind of an anchor point constructed on the standing end (such as a loop or overhand knot) into which the working end is easily hitched to using a round turn. An example of this is the bowline. Constricting knots often rely on friction to cinch down tight on loose bundles; an example would be the clove hitch.

Knots may belong to more than one category.

Bend 
A knot uniting two lines (for knots joining two ends of the same line, see binding knots or loops). List of bends.
Binding 
A knot that restricts object(s) by making multiple winds. List of binding knots.
Coil 
Knots used to tie up lines for storage. List of coil knots.
Decorative knot 
A complex knot exhibiting repeating patterns often constructed around and enhancing an object. List of decorative knots.
Hitch 
A knot tied to a post, cable, ring, or spar. List of hitch knots.
Lashing 
A knot used to hold (usually) poles together. List of lashing knots.
Loop 
A knot used to create a closed circle in a line. List of loop knots.
Plait 
A number of lines interwoven in a simple regular pattern. List of plait knots.
Slip (or Running) 
A knot tied with a hitch around one of its parts, contrasted. with a loop, which is closed with a bend. A slip knot can be closed, a loop remains the same size. List of slip knots.
Seizing 
A knot used to hold two lines or two parts of the same line together. List of seizing knots.
Sennit 
A number of lines interwoven in a complex pattern. List of sennit knots.
Splice 
A knot formed by interweaving strands of rope rather than whole lines. More time consuming but usually stronger than simple knots. List of splices.
Stopper 
A knot tied to hold a line through a hole. List of stopper knots.
Trick 
A knot that is used as part of a magic trick, a joke, or a puzzle. List of trick knots.
Whipping 
A binding knot used to prevent another line from fraying.
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References

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See also

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External links

da:Knude de:Knoten (Knüpfen) et:Sõlm es:Nudo (lazo) fa:گره fr:Nœud (lien) he:קשר (בחבל) nl:Knoop (touw) ja:結び目 pt:Nó (corda) fi:Solmu (solmittu) sv:Knop pl:Węzeł żeglarski

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