Sheet Bend

Sheet Bend
Preparing the rope…

Form a bight

1/8

Fold the thicker rope. Bring the thinner rope toward the opening.

Basics · 8 steps

Join two ropes by wrapping one end around a bight in the other.

Also known as Weaver’s knot.

The sheet bend connects an end to a bight. Put the bight in the thicker or stiffer rope, then take the other end through it, around both legs, and beneath its own standing part. That last tuck locks the wrap against the bight.

The two short ends should finish on the same side. This is a useful check when the ropes have different colors or diameters. The double sheet bend keeps the same basic structure and adds another wrap, rather than making a second independent knot.

When to use it

Extend a rope; join ropes of different thickness.

Keep in mind

Put the bight in the thicker rope and keep both short ends on the same side.

Check your knot

  • The thicker rope forms the bight.
  • The other end wraps around both legs of that bight.
  • Both tails leave on the same side.
How to tie Sheet Bend
  1. Form a bight

    Fold the thicker rope. Bring the thinner rope toward the opening.

  2. Enter the opening

    Pass the thinner end through the bight from behind.

  3. Pass the right leg

    Bring the end forward and up beside the bight's short end.

  4. Wrap both legs

    Carry the end behind both legs and around the left side.

  5. Tuck under the entry

    Bring the end across the front, then under its own incoming strand.

  6. Extend the tail

    Leave both rope tails on the same side of the knot.

  7. Dress and tighten

    Pull the standing parts apart and guide the turns together. Keep the tails clear.

  8. Inspect the knot

    Check one turn around both bight legs with the tail tucked under its own entry.

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References & further reading