Square Lashing

Bind two touching poles at a right angle with wraps and frapping turns.

Use for poles that meet at a right angle; keep wraps snug before frapping.

Step-by-step

Position the poles
Place the horizontal pole in front of the vertical one. They touch at a right angle.
Tie the starting hitch
Tie a clove hitch below the crossing. Twist the short tail around the working part.
Make the first wrap
Pass in front of the horizontal pole and behind the vertical pole, around all four sides.
Make the second wrap
On the horizontal pole, lay the next turn farther out. Behind the vertical pole, lay it closer to the crossing.
Make the third wrap
Add a third turn beside the others. Keep the main wraps parallel.
Add two frapping turns
Pass between the poles and around the main wraps twice to draw them together.
Tie the finishing hitch
Finish with a clove hitch on the horizontal pole. Tuck the end under the diagonal strand.
Check the lashing
Three main wraps bind the poles. Two frapping turns surround the wraps; clove hitches secure both ends.