Learn about knots, hitches, and bends in the ropecraft project.  Did you know there are 14 basic skills that can be used in many activities and situations from sailing and climbing to working with animals and decorating.  This project is a lot of fun, and we’re KNOT kidding.

Beginner

• Identify different types of cordage
• Understand the difference between natural fibers and synthetic fibers
• Learn the different techniques that are used to make cordage
• Use different techniques to keep your cordage from unraveling
• Learn the technical terms for the different parts of cordage

Intermediate

• Tie and understand the uses of the overhand knot and the slipknot
• Tie and understand the uses of a square knot
• Be able to recognized the different between a square knot and a granny knot
• Tie and understand the uses of the bowline knot
• Tie and understand the uses of the figure 8 knot
• Tie and understand the uses of an alpine butterfly knot

Advanced

• Tie and understand the uses of a sheet bend
• Tie and understand the uses of the sheepshank
• Tie and understand the uses of an anchor bend
• Tie and understand the uses of a carrick bend
• Tie and understand the uses of a fisherman’s knot
• Tie and understand the uses of a half hitch

Applying Project Skills to Life

Enhance Your Communication Skills

• Give a demonstration on how to tie a particular kind of knot
• Give a presentation about different types of cordage and how it is used

Get Involved in Citizenship and Service

• Host a fishing derby and teach participants how to tie knots properly
• Volunteer to help locally with competitions
• Make a knot tying practice station for your local elementary or preschool
• Make zipper pulls to donate to a local school

Learn about Leadership

• Lead a ropecraft scavenger hunt in your community. Ask participants to scout out different types of knots that are being used
• Start a business making jewelry or other household items with knots that you learned to tie. Sell them at a farmer’s market or local shop

Showing What You’ve Learned

• Make something practical for use on the farm like a halter or lasso
• Create a bracelet or other wearables from knots
• Create a display on how types of cordage has evolved over time
• Create a poster of how to keep your cordage from unraveling
• Create a poster on the parts of cordage
• Create a knot board
• A report highlighting your favorite knot and its uses
• A display on how to repair damaged sections of rope
• A poster on variations of different types of knots
• Make a decorative knot piece
• Make a functional piece from knots like a plant hanger