How to Tie a Hangman's Noose Knot

Probably the most iconic of knots, this knot is easy to make and absorbs movement and shock extremely well.

Step 1: Create bight
Create a large "U"-shaped bend—or "bight" tipped on its left side—with the end of the rope.

Tip
This knot requires a minimum of seven turns, so leave plenty of rope after your bight to work with.

Step 2: Create another bight
Create another bight at the end of the first one bending back in the opposite direction. The rope should look like an "S," with all three legs parallel to each other.

Step 3: Wrap end over legs
Put the end of the rope under all three legs, and then wrap the end over the three legs. This is considered one "turn."

Step 4: Continue wrapping
Continue wrapping the end of the rope around all three legs (coiling it upwards) at least six more times, tightening each turn one by one as you make it.

Tip
You can make more than seven turns, but always use an odd number so you can finish off the knot properly.

Step 5: Finish turns
When you're done making your turns, there should be a little bit of rope left over at the end, and the top of the second bight should be just poking out above the topmost turn, forming a loop.

Step 6: Pass end through loop
Pass the very end of the rope through this loop from front to back.

Step 7: Tighten
To tighten, pull down on the right-hand edge of the noose created by the first bight.

Did You Know?
Being a hangman or executioner used to be a family profession in France.