Appendix:Parts of the knot

Components

Knot components

A: Turn
B: Round turn
C: Two round turns

bight

The center part of a length of rope, string, or yarn as opposed to the ends.

• A "bight" is any curved section, slack part, or loop between the ends of a rope.
• The phrase "in the bight" implies a U-shaped section of rope is itself being used in making a knot. Many knots can be tied either with the end or in the bight.

bitter end

More a ropeworker's term than a knot term, the reference is to the end of a rope that is tied off, hence the expression "to the bitter end". A bitt is a metal block with a crosspin used for tying lines to, found on docks.

loop

A full circle formed by passing the working end over itself. Note that the term 'loop' is also used to refer to a category of knots (see 'Categories' below).

elbow

Two crossing points created by an extra twist in a loop.

standing end

The end of the rope not involved in making the knot, often shown as unfinished. May also be called the 'running end' or 'live end'.

standing part

Section of line between knot and the standing end.

turn, single turn

• A single pass behind or through an object.
• A round turn is the complete encirclement of an object; requires two passes.
• Two round turns circle the object twice and require three passes.

working end

The active end of a line used in making the knot. May also be called the 'dead end'.

working part

Section of line between knot and the working end.