The Clove Hitch Knot
How to Tie It & When to Use It

The Clove Hitch Knot is one of the most useful hitches aboard a boat. It's probably most frequently used to attach a fender line to the guardwire or rail, but it can also be used to attach a line to a spar or another rope.

It's not a particularly secure hitch and can work loose if put under intermittent strain, particularly if it's applied from different angles. 

The Clove Hitch Knot can be made more secure by taking the working end making a couple of half-hitches around the standing part in much the same way as the Round Turn and Two Half-Hitches.

Alternatively you could use a stopper knot such as a Figure of Eight Knot or the Double Overhand Knot to prevent the working end from working its way loose.

Some dextrous types can tie the Clove Hitch with one hand!

How to Tie the Clove Hitch Knot

Stage 1

Make a turn with the working end passing over the standing part;

Stage 2

Make a second turn...

Stage 3

...passing the working end back under its own standing part.

Stage 4

Finally, cinch the knot up tight. It's as simple as that - you've tied a Clove Hitch Knot.

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