Two half-hitches

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Two half-hitches
Two half hitches 3.jpg
Category hitch
Origin Ancient
Related Round turn and two half-hitches, Buntline hitch, Clove hitch, Taut-line hitch
Releasing Non-jamming
Typical use General-purpose hitch


The two half-hitches is a type of knot, specifically a binding knot or hitch knot. It consists of an overhand knot tied around a post, followed by a half-hitch. Equivalently, it consists of a half-turn around a post followed by a clove hitch of the running end around the standing part.

The following three-step process for tying the two half-hitches is also explained in the image gallery below. Click on the images for high-resolution versions.

  1. Begin by forming a clockwise loop around the pole, with the working end of the rope on top. Bring the working end through the loop. At this point, you have an overhand knot around the pole.
  2. Bring the working end down and to the left. Loop it under the standing end. Pull the working end through the loop just formed, tighten, and slide the knot along the standing end up to the post.
  3. A correctly tied two half hitches resembles a clove hitch tied around the standing end of the line, not a lark's head.

To release the knot, pry apart the two hitches with a bending motion.

See also

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