Tips for Making a Slip Knot

Slipknots are used when you need an adjustible loop in a rope. They are easy to make, but not safe enough to use for tying off climbing gear. Several knots use the name "slip knot", but this is the basic knot. Crocheters make slipknots to start a chain of stitches, and electricians use them to prevent tangled extension cords (see picture 2).

Knot making terms: "Line" is what you probably call "rope". The "standing end" is the longer end of the line where the line will be carrying the load. The "bitter end" is the free end you are using to make the knot with, or the dangling end left after the knot is finished.

1 - Grab the line with both hands, with your palms downward and hands about a foot apart. The standing end should be to your right, and about a foot of the bitter end dangling to your left.
2 - Bring your hands together and make a loop, with the line from the right hand crossing over the line from the left hand.
3 - Pinch the loop with your left thumb to keep it intact.
4 - Reach through the loop with your right hand and pull a loop of line through the loop you are pinching. (see picture 1)
4 - Lift your thumb off the crossing point and yank hard with your right hand.
5 - You have a slipknot.

To prevent tangled extension cords, follow these steps. It turns the wire into a series of flat loops that do not tangle easily.

1 - Bend the cord in half.
2 - About a foot in from the bend - not the end with the plugs - make a slip knot.
3 - Reach through that knot and pull another loop.
4 - Keep pulling loops until you have crocheted the cord loosely all the way to the plugs.
5 - Plug the ends together.

To use the cord, unplug the ends and pull the extension cord out of the loops until you have enough free cord to reach from the outlet to where you need the electricity. Leave the surplus cord crocheted.