Ropework
Diagonal Lashing
DIFFICULTY ●●●○○
The lashing for poles that cross at an angle or need pulling together: a timber hitch cinches the poles, then wraps run across both diagonals before frapping and finishing.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
Where the square lashing joins, this one braces — it closes the gap between crossing poles and kills the racking wobble in any pioneering structure.
Where it fails
Starting with a clove hitch instead of a timber hitch is the classic error — the timber hitch is what draws the poles together. Wrap both diagonals evenly.
Quick facts
| Type | Cross-brace lashing |
| Start | Timber hitch |
| Load | Structural bracing |
| Best for | X-braces, angled joints |