Whether you're mooring a boat, rigging a tent, securing a load or tying on a fishing hook, this book gives you the right knot for the job, 200 of them, taught the way people actually learn: by watching hands do it, one numbered photo at a time.
Every knot gets its own spread with real hands tying it in two-colour cord. I keep it in the boat and I've actually used it on the dock, not just read it.
Every load you tie down is tested the moment you brake hard. Holding it takes the right knot, tied properly every time. The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework shows 200 knots step by step in colour photos, tags each one by use from boating to towing, and explains how much strength your rope keeps once it’s knotted. If a trailer, roof rack or boat depends on your knot, start here.
A knot is only as good as the rope it's tied in. This guide opens with the rope itself: how natural and synthetic fibres differ, what each type is built to carry, and how much strength a knot takes away once it's tied. Instead of guessing, you'll know whether the line in your hands is right for the load, the weather and the job.
It also shows you how to look after rope so it lasts: coiling and storing it properly, sealing the ends, spotting the wear that means it's time to retire a line. Small habits that keep your gear safe for years.
You don't need experience, just two pieces of cord. The book starts with 20 essential knots every beginner should know, each one photographed step by step so you can tie it at the kitchen table in an afternoon. From there it grows with you: bends, hitches, loops, bindings and stoppers, then rescue knots, decorative work and rope coils.
More than 1,200 colour photographs show every stage in bright two-colour cord, then the finished knot doing its real job. Whether you're mooring a boat, securing a load or rigging a tarp, the right knot is in here, and you'll know how to tie it.
What readers are saying
Out of all the knot books on my shelf, this one comes out on top. The pages are large and the steps are simple to follow. I'd recommend it to anyone.
I got it as a gift for my nephew, and then my son wanted one of his own. The colour photos are lovely, and the sheer number of knots is amazing.
There's a knot in here for every job you can think of. I've had a lot of fun picking up new ones for camping trips and climbing.
The Navy taught me knots decades ago, and this book brought all those sailing knots right back, along with climbing and everyday ones. Guests can't resist flicking through it and trying a knot. Every knot has great photos and a clear explanation of what it's for.
I've learned a handful of brilliant camping knots from it, and it's ideal if you're just starting out. It explains the terms, like what a "bight" is, and the photos are excellent. Knots are sorted by what they're used for, from climbing and sailing to jobs around the house.
Superb photography throughout, and a huge range of knots. I'd recommend it without hesitation.
The photography is stunning. I liked it so much I bought another copy for my son. Couldn't recommend it more.
A real joy to read, and even better to try out.
Picked this up before a camping trip and I've already got a handful of knots I use around the campsite. It's ideal for a complete beginner: it explains the terms first (a "bight", for instance) and then the photos do the rest. Learn the lingo early, it comes up constantly. The knots are grouped by type and by what you'd use them for, climbing, sailing, camping or jobs around the house. It's a big, heavy book, so it's not one for the backpack, but that's the trade-off for the large colour photos. I just snap a picture of the knot I need before I head out.
An enormous range of knots for every purpose. I'm having a great time working through new ones to use when camping and climbing.
Everything you need to know before getting your copy.
Sailors, anglers, climbers, campers and DIYers. Every knot is tagged by use so you can flip straight to the ones you need.
No. It starts with 20 essential knots you can learn with two pieces of cord and builds from there.
200 knots across bends, hitches, loops, bindings, stoppers, climbers' friction knots, rescue loops, decorative work and rope coils, plus a full introduction to rope itself.
Every knot is taught the way people actually learn, by watching hands tie it, and tagged by who it's for. Practical enough for the boat and the crag, beautiful enough for the coffee table.
Orders are processed in 2–3 business days and delivered around 7–12 business days after dispatch.
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No. It starts with 20 essential knots you can learn with two pieces of cord and builds from there.
Every knot is taught the way people actually learn, by watching hands tie it, and tagged by who it's for. Practical enough for the boat and the crag, beautiful enough for the coffee table.
