The Hands-On Visual Guide to 80+ Knots for Every Situation.
Over 80 genuinely useful knots for boating, fishing, camping, crafts and the home, each in a large two-colour diagram you can follow at a glance. Written by a co-founder of the International Guild of Knot Tyers.
I've bought half a dozen knot books and this is the one that stays on my workbench. The illustrations are big enough to follow with a rope in hand, and every knot tells you what it's actually for. No filler -- just knots that work.
The two-tone illustrations make all the difference. You can see exactly which strand goes where without having to guess. I'm using it to teach my scout troop this autumn.
There are knots here for every situation -- from securing a tarp to decorative work. The large diagrams make the over-under sequence much easier to follow. Already ordered a second copy for my brother.
Bought this for my dad's birthday and ended up ordering one for myself. The knot lore and history is fascinating, and the practical applications are spot on. A genuinely useful book.
A few sloppy wraps, yanked tight, fingers crossed. Then the kayak shifts on the roof rack, the washing line sags overnight, the mooring line slips at the dock -- or the whole mess cinches so hard you reach for a knife. It's not that you lack skill or patience. Nobody ever walked you through the right knot for the job in a way that actually made sense.
Most knot guides fall apart at the same point: the drawing is too small to tell what goes over and what goes under. This is a 160-page hardcover built from the ground up to solve that:
Geoffrey Budworth co-founded the International Guild of Knot Tyers in 1982 and has been called "the father of forensic knotting" for his expert-witness work on knots found at crime scenes. Jason Dalton brings decades of hands-on ropework and teaching experience. Together, the depth of their knowledge shows on every page -- no padding, just knots that earn their place. Whether you're rigging a boat, securing a load, casting a line, or tying a decorative Chinese Cloverleaf, the right knot is here.
"I've bought half a dozen knot books and this is the one that stays on my workbench... No filler -- just knots that work." -- Verified Reader
Every knot you'll actually reach for
Attach rope to a post, ring, rail or another rope -- the ties that hold loads in place.
Fixed and sliding loops for climbing, rescue, rigging and anywhere you need a secure eye.
Prevent a line from running through a block, and bind objects securely together.
Tie down cargo, strap a load to a roof rack, bundle poles for camp or garden.
Chosen for real-world usefulness across sailing, fishing, climbing, hiking, crafts and around the house.
Full colour throughout, with many knots shown at multiple stages of tying.
Track exactly which strand crosses over and which goes under -- no guesswork.
What each one is for and when to reach for it, so you always pick the best option.
Background that makes each knot memorable, not just a set of steps to copy.
Ornamental ties for crafts, home display and gifts -- including the Chinese Cloverleaf.
Readers come from all directions -- and stay for the same reason.
Sailing, fishing, climbing, camping, hauling gear. You need knots that hold under real load -- and the confidence to pick the right one every time.
Never tied more than a shoelace. Bold diagrams, plain instructions and a dash of history make learning genuinely satisfying from page one.
Bought again and again for partners, fathers, scouts and students. Our Buy 2 bundle is the most popular for exactly this reason.
Geoffrey Budworth co-founded the International Guild of Knot Tyers in 1982 and contributes regularly to its quarterly journal, Knotting Matters. Known as "the father of forensic knotting," he has served as an expert witness on knots recovered at crime scenes -- a depth of knowledge few authors can match. Jason Dalton brings practical teaching experience and a gift for making complex ropework accessible to beginners.
4.7 out of 5 stars - Based on 935+ verified ratings
Find answers to common questions about our product, shipping, returns and more.
Absolutely. The knots are arranged from simple to complex, every step is drawn large and clear, and each knot explains exactly what it's used for. You can start with no experience at all.
More than 80, organised into clear families: hitches, bends, loops, stopper knots, binding knots, fishing knots and decorative work.
Sailing, fishing, camping, climbing, crafts, gardening and everyday jobs around the house. The book is a learning reference. For climbing or any activity where safety depends on the knot, practise with a qualified instructor as well.
Geoffrey Budworth, a co-founder of the International Guild of Knot Tyers and one of the world's foremost knot authorities, and Jason Dalton, a hands-on ropework expert and educator.
A 160-page hardcover, fully illustrated in colour, large enough to follow the diagrams with a rope in your hands.
All orders ship within 48 hours on weekdays. Weekend orders ship first thing Monday. Delivery takes 7-14 business days with our express shipping option.
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied, return it within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.
We stand behind the quality of every book we ship. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, return it within 30 days for a full refund -- no questions asked.
Shop Now - Risk FreeWe stand behind the quality of every book we ship. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, return it within 30 days for a full refund -- no questions asked.
Shop Now - Risk Free