Ropework
Square Lashing
DIFFICULTY ●●●○○
The lashing for joining two poles at right angles: a clove hitch to start, three tight wraps alternating over and under, frapping turns to cinch, a clove hitch to finish.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
The foundation of all pioneering — towers, bridges, camp furniture. Done well, the joint is rigid enough to stand on, using nothing but rope and technique.
Where it fails
Every turn must be hauled tight as you go; a lashing cannot be tightened afterward. The frapping turns are where the rigidity comes from — never skip them.
Quick facts
| Type | Right-angle lashing |
| Recipe | 3 wraps + 2 fraps |
| Load | Structural |
| Best for | Perpendicular pole joints |