Knot That Hard: Ropes and Hitches Demystified

Why knot? Knots can be applied in many situations: binding (tying shoelaces), securing items (loads, boats, etc.), and decoration.
Outdoor skills: fishing, hunting, camping, rock climbing/rappelling;
surgical sutures.

A good knot should be secure, quickly made, easily checked, and yet readily undone
Learning to tie knots properly is an essential skill that is valuable for a lifetime. Once you know some of the basic knots for specific tasks, most other knots are variations.

The attached materials is intended to supplement the RopeCraft Merit. (can be read on a s'phone in pdf form).
Most of the materials reference Ashley's Book of Knots [ABOK]; often called "notter's bible".
Reference materials describe rope terminology: types of knots: Stopper; Binding; Bend; Loop; Hitch.

In addition to knot terminology, the guide describes that the 'Tautline' hitch is actually an 'Adjustable Hitch' (1800 ABOK). To reduce confusion, suggest calling this knot a tautline Adjustable Hitch.
Two half-hitch is a clove hitch on the rope part.

Tying a bowline is simplified by making the overhand loop around the student's finger to keep the OH loop intact throughout the knot-tying process.
This method works for all bowline variations: running bowline; bowline on a bight.

Figure-8 knot is also a versatile knot in its many variations; stopper knot, bend, loop, hitch. It is a knot that is easy to tie and to inspect if it is completed correctly.