Believe it or not, this is not the first time I’ve looked up how to tie knots. Not that I have much use for them—I’m not one for mountaineering or boating—I just think that the way they come together is hypnotic.
I have always taken issue with online instructors in the past for going too fast or for simply showing how the knot forms without explaining the action in each step. Bruce Wade’s clear, repeated method in his lesson How to Tie Six Loop Knots is perfect for me. The instruction is never monotonous, and Bruce always seems to have the right word at the ready to describe the next step (“fold in the loop under the straight edge” really hit me). His lessons even include PDF handouts with which you can follow along—not even kidding.
With my newfound knowledge, I think I’m finally ready to test out Cragmont Park, a beautiful little rock climbing spot in my neighborhood. Though it might be even cooler if I took up a second career as a knot mathematician.
Tips:
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Use heavy material. The shoelace I used was too thin to retain shapes, which was frustrating at times.
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Listen during the first demonstration, then follow along. It’s much easier to follow Bruce’s ins and outs once you’ve broken down each step.
