Editing Knot (section)

==Knot categories==
{{Further|List of knots}}
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2011}}
The [[list of knots]] is extensive, but common properties allow for a useful system of categorization. For example, ''[[loop (knot)|loop]]'' knots share the attribute of having some kind of an anchor point constructed on the [[standing end]] (such as a loop or overhand knot) into which the working end is easily hitched, using a [[round turn]]. An example of this is the [[bowline]]. ''Constricting'' knots often rely on friction to cinch down tight on loose bundles; an example is the [[Miller's knot]]. Knots may belong to more than one category.

;[[Bend knot|Bend]] :A knot uniting two lines<ref name=EB1911>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Knot |volume=15 |page=871}}</ref> (for knots joining two ends of the same line, see [[binding (knot)|binding knots]] or [[loop (knot)|loops]]).
;[[binding (knot)|Binding]] :A knot that restricts object(s) by making multiple winds.
;[[Coiling|Coil knot]] :Knots used to tie up lines for storage.
;[[Decorative knot]] :A complex knot exhibiting repeating patterns often constructed around and enhancing an object.
;[[Hitch knot|Hitch]] :A knot tied to a post, cable, ring, or spar.
;[[Lashing knot|Lashing]] :A knot used to hold (usually) poles together.
;[[loop (knot)|Loop]] :A knot used to create a closed circle in a line.
;[[Braid|Plait]] (or braid):A number of lines interwoven in a simple regular pattern.
;[[slip knot|Slip]] (or running) :A knot tied with a hitch around one of its parts. In contrast, a loop is closed with a bend. While a slip knot can be closed, a loop remains the same size.
;[[Bight (knot)#Slipped knot|Slipped]] :Some knots may be finished by passing a [[Bight (knot)|bight]] rather than the end, for ease of untying. The common shoelace knot is an example, being a [[reef knot]] with both ends slipped.
;[[Seizing]] :A knot used to hold two lines or two parts of the same line together.<ref name=EB1911/>
;[[Sennit]] :A number of lines interwoven in a complex pattern. See also [[Chain sinnet]].
;[[Rope splicing|Splice]] :A knot formed by interweaving strands of rope rather than whole lines. More time-consuming but usually stronger than simple knots.
;[[Stopper knot|Stopper]] :A knot tied to hold a line through a hole.
;[[whipping knot|Whipping]] :A binding knot used to prevent another line from fraying.

===Basic useful knots===
* [[Alpine butterfly knot]] for a secure loop in the middle of a rope when the ends are not free
* [[Bowline]] for tying a loop in the end of a rope, as around one's waist or to secure a ring or grommet. The knot is also used as an anchor knot and is used in many knot systems that are used in mountainous terrain such as a highline or hauling system.
* [[Constrictor knot]] for making bundles or cinching the neck of a sack, though this knot jams and may need to be cut
* [[Figure-eight knot]] as a stopper
* [[Grass bend]] for tying belts together, though insecure with ropes
* [[Monkey's fist]] used to weight the end of a rope
* [[Prusik]] for ascending a rope
* [[Reef knot]] (square knot), a common but insecure [[binding knot]] for joining the ends of a piece of cordage wrapped around an object or objects
* [[Sheet bend]] for joining the ends of two ropes, which need not be the same diameter
** [[Sheet bend#Double sheet bend|Double sheet bend]] for tying the ends of two dissimilarly sized ropes together
* [[Spanish bowline]] used to hoist crewmen aloft or suspend them over the side
* [[Versatackle knot|Versatackle]] for hoisting heavy loads and tightening rigging
* [[Water knot]] for tying a knot in flat material such as nylon webbing

====Hitches====
* [[Anchor bend]] (or anchor hitch) for tying a rope to a boat anchor
* [[Clove hitch]] for tying a rope to a pole – simple and will not jam, but not particularly secure and will not work on rectangular shapes
* [[Buntline hitch]] for tying a rope to a pole or other shape, but can jam
* [[Diamond hitch]] for packing trail animals
* [[Rolling hitch]] for securing a rope to a pole when the pull is lengthwise rather than outward, or to tie one rope to the middle of another
* [[Taut-line hitch]] (or Midshipman's hitch) for forming an adjustable (ratcheting) loop that does not slip smaller under tension
* [[Timber hitch]] for securing or hauling long narrow loads, with the pull in one direction
* [[Trucker's hitch]] for clinching down a load

===Trick knots===
[[Magic (illusion)|Trick]] knots are knots that are used as part of a [[magic trick]], a [[joke]], or a [[puzzle]]. They are useful for these purposes because they have a deceptive appearance, being easier or more difficult to tie or untie than their appearance would suggest. The easiest trick knot is the [[slip knot]].<ref>Karl Fulves, Joseph K. Schmidt, ''Self-Working Rope Magic: 70 Foolproof Tricks'' (1990), page 17.</ref> Other noted trick knots include:
* [[Grief knot]]. The starkly differing behavior of the knot, depending on how it is arranged, has been exploited as the basis of a [[parlor trick]].<ref name="ashley415">{{citation |last=Ashley |first=Clifford W. |title=The Ashley Book of Knots |year= 1944 |publisher=Doubleday |location=New York |page=415 }}</ref>  When pulling on the standing ends the knot starts slipping and the working ends become crossed. By twisting the working ends so that they uncross and then recross in reverse, the knot's structure capsizes so that it will no longer slip. The twisting motion resembles the turning of a key, "locking" and "unlocking" the knot.
* [[Tom fool's knot]], used as a trick knot due to the speed with which it can be made.