Clove hitch
Two turns around a pole that grip each other. It starts and ends most lashings and ties a line to a post in seconds.
Scouts BSA, Venturing · 3 min
What it's for
The clove hitch is the knot of pioneering: square and diagonal lashings start and finish with it. It's also handy for tying a line to a post or rail quickly. It can loosen if the pole turns or the pull keeps changing direction, so add a half hitch around the standing part when it has to stay put.
How to tie it
New to rope words like working end and bight? See rope words.
Step 1: Wrap the pole
Lay the rope across the front of the pole and take the working end around behind it.
Step 2: Cross over and wrap again
Bring the end diagonally down across the front, over the first turn, making an X. Then wrap it around behind the pole again.
Step 3: Tuck under the X
Bring the end up under the diagonal, out the other side, and pull both ends tight.
The quick way, over the top of a post
Make two loops the same way, slide the second loop behind the first, and drop both over the post. Pull the ends and it's a clove hitch.
Check your knot
- You see an X on one side of the pole and two straight turns side by side on the other.
- Both ends come out from under the diagonal, in opposite directions.
- If it slides along the pole when pulled, it's two plain turns — the end didn't go under the diagonal.
Where you'll use it
Requirements that call for this skill in 6 ranks, badges, and awards.
- First Class, Scouts BSA · Rank
- Motorboating, Scouts BSA · Merit Badge
- Pioneering, Scouts BSA · Merit Badge
- Pioneering requirement 2b: Demonstrate tying a rope tackle, a butterfly knot, a rolling hitch, a roundturn with two half hitches, a clove hitch on a bight, and a clove hitch made from two half hitches
- Pioneering requirement 3c: Build a Simple Camp Table using rope tackles, clove hitches on a bight, and floor, square, and shear lashings (from 2b and 2c), or another camp gadget of your own design if your counselor allows
- Rowing, Scouts BSA · Merit Badge
- Small-Boat Sailing, Scouts BSA · Merit Badge
- Ranger Award, Venturing · Award
Keep learning
- Timber hitch, Grips a log or pole while there's a pull, then falls apart easily. Use it to drag a log or start a diagonal lashing., 3 min
- Two half hitches, A quick, dependable way to tie a rope to a post, ring, or tree — and easy to untie when you're done., 3 min
- Taut-line hitch, An adjustable loop that holds under tension, so you can tighten a tent guyline or clothesline just by sliding the knot., 4 min
Explanations here are ours, written to help you learn. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.