Knot school
Two half hitches – step by step
Secures a line around a post or ring under steady load.
Start tyingHow to tie a two half hitches
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 Pass the line around the post and back to the standing part.
Step 2 Lay the working end over the standing part, around it and through the new loop. Pull the first half hitch tight.
Step 3 Make an identical half hitch in the same direction. Push the half hitches together and pull the line tight.
Strengths and limitations
Two half hitches around the line's own standing part. The hitch can slip or come loose on slippery rope.
The knot name is sometimes used for different hitches. Shown here are two half hitches after a single turn around the object.
Practise with a loose line on land. Never use these practice knots for climbing or personal safety.
Frequently asked questions
Should the half hitches go the same way?
Yes, in this knot both half hitches are made in the same direction around the standing part.
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.
Reef knot
Ties two ends together around a bundle or a furled sail.
Sheet bend
Joins two lines, especially when they are of different thickness.
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.