Stoppers
Overhand Knot
Thumb knot
DIFFICULTY ●○○○○
The simplest knot there is: a loop with the end passed through. It's the atom of knotting — dozens of major knots are built from it.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
Instant, universal, and the foundation you need before learning anything else. As a quick stopper in string or a sewing thread anchor, it does the job.
Where it fails
Jams hopelessly tight in rope under load and meaningfully weakens the strand it's tied in. In anything bigger than string, tie a figure eight stopper instead.
Quick facts
| Type | Basic stopper |
| Under load | Jams badly |
| Untying | Often impossible |
| Best for | String, thread, foundations |