Here’s what you’ll be able to do.
Tie a square (reef) knot and recognize a twisted granny knot.
What you’ll need
Learn together
Use two colors to follow the ends. Take turns giving one instruction and doing one move.
See the moves.
Open the source demonstration, then follow the numbered text below. Pause between moves and try each one.
Open close demonstration (opens in a new tab)Opens an external instructional source. The full written sequence below is the on-page text alternative. No video is hosted here; source media may need internet access. Brand photographs are illustrative, not evidence of the exact technique.One step at a time.
4 movesKeep in mind: For light binding practice only. Never use this knot for climbing, lifting, towing, restraint, or other critical loads. It can slip or come undone.
Read the full sequence, or give one move your attention at a time.
Hot pan: a capable adult handles the stove for this step
Place the cord
Wrap a soft cord around an empty box. Leave two ends to work with.
Look closer: Keep the box light and the ends easy to hold.
Make the first crossing
Cross the right end over the left. Tuck it underneath and bring it through.
Look closer: This makes the first half knot.
Reverse the crossing
Cross the end now on the left over the end now on the right. Tuck it underneath and through.
Look closer: Reverse the direction of the crossing.
Dress and check
Pull gently on both ends. Check that the knot lies flat, with each short end beside its own long part.
Look closer: If it twists, undo the second crossing and reverse it.
Not quite? Try this.
A twisted knot?
You may have repeated the same crossing direction. Undo the second half and reverse it.
Slippery cord?
Stop and choose an appropriate binding method. This knot cannot be trusted for critical loads.
A little practice.
Untie the bundle, switch cord colors, and repeat. Say which end crosses over each time.
Think back: Does it lie flat? Can you explain why it is only for light binding?
No score. No rush. Notice one thing that’s easier this time.
Where this comes from.
- Instructional sources
- Animated Knots by Grog • square knot, uses and limitations ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Sources checked
- October 12, 2026
- Named reviewer
- Not yet assigned
- Learner testing
- Not yet done
- Content version
- 1
- Media
- Written steps are the on-page alternative. Photographs are illustrative; rights to be confirmed before public launch.
Sources are independent references, not partners or endorsers. Original lesson wording and practice prompts were prepared for this first edition. Next: verify the demonstration, test the directions with first-time learners, and record the reviewer. How lessons are reviewed