Bends
Carrick Bend
Sailor's bend
DIFFICULTY ●●●○○
The classic bend for heavy rope and cable: two open loops woven over-under-over into a beautiful basket pattern, which capsizes into a compact working form under load.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
Excels exactly where other bends fail — huge, stiff hawsers that can't be bent into tight knots. Also strong, secure, and handsome enough to double as decoration.
Where it fails
It changes shape dramatically when first loaded, so seat it under moderate tension before trusting it. In small cordage other bends are more practical.
Quick facts
| Type | Heavy-rope bend |
| Under load | Excellent |
| Untying | Reasonable |
| Best for | Hawsers, thick stiff rope |