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How To Tie a Reef Knot. The Reef Knot—also known as the Square Knot—is as simple as
tying your shoes. In fact, it is tying your shoes. You will need A single length of rope
and a second length of rope (optional). Step 1. Hold one end of the rope in your left hand
and the other end in your right hand. Step 2. Cross the end of the rope in your left
hand over the end in your right hand to form an "X." Step 3. Bring the end of rope in your
left hand down behind the end in your right hand, then back up, so that the two ends are
entwined—the left-hand rope is now in your right hand and vice-versa. Step 4. Use your
right hand to pass the same end back over the end now in your left hand, forming another
"X." Step 5. Bring that end down behind the other end again, and continue pulling it through
the loop that forms. This knot can also be tied using two separate ropes, joining them
in a "hitch." Step 6. Pull the two ends to a symmetrical length, and you've got a perfect
square Reef Knot on your hands. Did you know A helpful mnemonic device to tie this knot:
Left over right, right over left.