Double Fisherman's Knot
Also called: grapevine knot, double overhand bend
A compact joining knot made of two interlocking wrapped knots that grip tightly, used to join two ropes or cords.
- Type
- Joining Knots
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Good for
- Camping, Hiking, Fishing
What it is for
- Joining two ropes or cords of similar diameter
- Tying a loop of cord from a single length
- Joining slippery or stiff cord
How to tie it
- Lay the two ends side by side, pointing in opposite directions and overlapping by about a hand's width.
- Wrap one end twice around both lines and tuck it back through the two wraps.
- Do the same with the other end on the other side of the first knot, wrapping around both lines twice and tucking it through.
- Moisten the knots if needed and pull the two standing lines apart so the two knots slide together and lock.
- Check that both knots are tight and have tails of several inches.
There are no diagrams on this page yet. Tie it along with the steps using a short piece of cord, and compare your result with a photograph or an instructor before you rely on it.
Tips
- Make both wraps the same number of turns.
- Dress each half neatly before sliding them together.
When not to trust it
- It can become very tight and hard to untie after a heavy load.
- It is not designed for life-safety unless taught by a qualified instructor.
- It works best with ropes of similar size.
Often confused with
- Surgeon's knot: a faster joining knot for fishing line.
- Sheet bend: better for ropes of different thickness.
Field notes
The double fisherman's is a classic strong joining knot. Because it grips so firmly, it is popular for tying loops of cord and for joining slippery line.
Related guides
This page explains how to tie an everyday knot. It is not training for climbing, rappelling, tree stand fall protection, or rescue. If a failure could injure someone, learn from a qualified instructor and use equipment rated for the job.