Sailors use lines (known as ropes by landlubbers) onboard sailing ships for hauling sails, holding down rigging, raising and lowering anchors and a variety of other jobs. Since lines must hold in strong winds and when wet, knowing how to tie all kinds of knots is important. Sailors would also use their knot tying skills to produce beautiful art and they would often create this "knot art" when they had time off, often called "dog watch".

Try your hand at learning the following knots commonly used on a ship.

Square Knot used to tie the ends of lines together

Bowline used to form a non-slip temporary loop in the end of a line

Clove Hitch used to attach a line securely to a pole

Sheet Bend used to tie two lines of unequal thickness together

Figure of Eight stopper knot, used to prevent a line from unreeving

Click on these informative sites to follow directions on tying knots.

http://www.mistral.co.uk/42brghtn/knots/- animated knot tying lessons
http://www.boatsafe.com/marlinespike/knots.htm - how to tie useful knots for boaters
http://www.boatsafe.com/marlinespike/rope.htm - how rope is constructed
http://www.troop9.org/?s=knots/index - Boy Scout Troop 9 knot tying site
http://www.realknots.com - Ropers Knot Page
http://www.tollesburysc.co.uk/Knots/Knots_gallery.htm - more animated knot tying