Useful knot series, part III: Two half-hitches

Now that you’ve mastered the two basics, bowline and clothesline knots, here’s another fun one to keep your knot skills tight (hee hee). The two half-hitches is a great sturdy knot for securing loose ends. (Think Christmas tree tied to your car roof or a surprise party banner strung between trees or on objects inside the house…)

My knot expert, Peter aka Dr. Knot, just weighed in and shared that this knot is the best for loose ends and added security after you’ve tied another knot. This knot can be difficult to undo, so it may be best to use in lighter applications. He also reminded me never to tie up anything of value with twine. (Thanks, Dr. Knot!)

Step 1: Start by threading your rope or wire from back to front through a hook or completely around a post or tree leaving a few inches of a tail end.

Step 2: Feed the tail end around the main line from back to front.

Step 3: Then feed the tail back through the loop that formed being sure to go under the loop as pictured below.

Step 4: Pull to gently cinch out the slack.

Step 5: Repeat same steps as above to complete another half hitch.

Step 6: Cinch by pulling the tail end, and if desired, cinch the knot up to sit snugly at the base of the pole or hook.