Knot school
Sheet bend – step by step
Joins two lines, especially when they are of different thickness.
Start tyingHow to tie a sheet bend
The orange arrow shows the movement to the next step. The yellow and blue lines tell the two lines apart. The last image shows the finished knot.
Step 1 Fold the thicker blue line into a bight. Pass the thinner yellow line up through the bight.
Step 2 Pass the yellow tail behind and around both legs of the blue bight.
Step 3 Pass the yellow end under its own standing part, not back through the blue bight. Pull tight with the short ends on the same side.
Strengths and limitations
The thicker line forms the bight. Both short ends should end up on the same side.
Can come undone under varying or no load. Slippery and stiff line needs extra care; practise without load.
Practise with a loose line on land. Never use these practice knots for climbing or personal safety.
Frequently asked questions
Which line should form the bight?
The thicker or stiffer line. The thinner, more flexible line is passed around the bight.
Sources
Practise more knots
Bowline
A fixed loop, for example around a bollard.
Figure-eight knot
A stopper knot that prevents the line from running through a fitting.
Two half hitches
Secures a line around a post or ring under steady load.
Reef knot
Ties two ends together around a bundle or a furled sail.
Bollard hitch
Mooring around a bollard with a round turn and two half hitches.
Slipped bowline
A temporary, quick-release hitch with a pull-out bight.
Cleating
Makes a line fast to a cleat.