How to tie a reef knot (also known as the square knot)
See below for Reef Knot video.
- A reef knot is a binding knot used to hold things together, such as parcels or to tie a triangular bandage. It is a knot used with a single piece of rope and is not used to tie two different ropes together.
- To extend the activity, a rope at least 2 metres long is useful, but a dressing gown cord will work.
- Show the video demonstrating the reef knot; if it is not possible, demonstrate yourself. It's helpful to colour the ends of the ropes to identify which end goes where.
- Can they tie the knot after a 5/10 minute break from memory?
Extension:
In pairs, each holding one end, can they tie a reef knot without letting go of the rope? One person should use their left hand, and one person should use their right. Swap hands.