Square Knot
The square knot is the first knot that new scouts learn in Troop 258; the
reason being is because it is the most common knot used. It is simple yet
very useful. It will knot jam, is easy to untie, and can be tied in an instant.
The square knot is used to tie packages, and is used by sailors for binding
rolled sails.
Do not confuse this knot with the granny knot or the thief knot. Each is used
for a specific purpose, but not as often as this knot. A way to test to see
if you've tied the knot properly is to grab each end of the string with two
hands and push the string into itself. The square knot should be able to move
away from itself, making it loose, but then if you pull it back it should
return the way it was.
Do not use this knot to combine two ropes of different diameter. Also, never
use this knot if "life or limb" is at risk as it can easily change into the
Lark's Head, which has a tendency to slip.
To tie this knot, put the left side of the string over the right and tuck
under to form what looks the beginning stage of a tied shoelace. Then, do
the same thing, but backwards, putting the right side over the left side and
tucking. It is easier to remember "Left over right, right over left" when
tying this knot. It can also be done the opposite way: "Right over left, left
over right!"
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