Fisherman's Knot
Two overhand knots, each tied around the other rope's standing part, slid together until they jam against each other. Simple symmetry that grips hard.
How to tie the Fisherman's Knot
- Lay the two rope ends alongside each other in opposite directions with generous overlap.
- Use the first working end to tie an Overhand Knot around the standing part of the other rope.
- Use the second working end to tie a matching Overhand Knot around the first rope.
- Dress and tighten each Overhand Knot separately, leaving visible tails.
- Pull the two standing parts apart so the knots slide together and seat against one another.
How to inspect it
The finished bend has two matching Overhand Knots pressed together, each gripping the other rope's standing part. The tails should exit cleanly and remain visible. Both components should be equally dressed before the standing parts are loaded.
Common mistakes
Tying both Overhand Knots around the same rope does not join the lines correctly. Short tails and poorly tightened component knots can slip before the two knots seat. The bend may also jam after heavy loading.
Rope and material notes
The simple Fisherman's Knot is best suited to similar, moderately grippy cord. Slick monofilament, modern high-modulus cord, or substantial diameter differences call for a knot designed and tested for that material.
Safety note: These steps support practice and recognition. Climbing, rescue, lifting, towing, and other critical systems require qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures.
Which knot should you choose?
Choose the Fisherman's Knot for a simple join in similar light cord where heavy loading is not expected. The Double Fisherman's Bend offers more grip and is commonly preferred for permanent cord loops, though it can be difficult to untie.
Why it earns its place
Compact, reliable on cord and small line, and almost impossible to tie wrong. When the two overhands seat against each other, the join is done.
Where it fails
Jams tight after heavy load and is nearly impossible to untie in thin cord — consider that a feature or a bug depending on the job. For climbing loads, use the double version.
Quick facts
| Type | Bend |
| Under load | Very good |
| Untying | Difficult after load |
| Best for | Joining cord and small line |
External reference
KnotStyle provides the selection advice, written practice sequence, inspection points, and cautions above. Use this independent animation as an additional visual reference.
View external animation ↗Source and editorial notes
Reference: Animated Knots by Grog: Fisherman's Knot. Source checked 2026-09-30. Selection advice and difficulty ratings are editorial judgments, not strength tests. How this guide is prepared.