Components

Knot components

A: Turn
B: Round turn
C: Two round turns

Bight

The center part of a length of rope, string, or yarn as opposed to the ends.

• A "bight" is any curved section, slack part, or loop between the ends of a rope.
• The phrase "in the bight" implies a U-shaped section of rope is itself being used in making a knot. Many knots can be tied either with the end or in the bight.

Bitter end

This is a commonly misused term, meaning the end of the line at the bitts. A bitt is a metal block with a crosspin used for tying lines to, found on docks.

Loop

A full circle formed by passing the working end over itself. Note that the term 'loop' is also used to refer to a category of knots (see 'Categories' below).

Elbow

Two crossing points created by an extra twist in a loop.

Standing end

The end of the rope not involved in making the knot, often shown as unfinished.

Standing part

Section of line between knot and the standing end.

Turn

• A turn or single turn is a single pass behind or through an object.
• A round turn is the complete encirclement of an object; requires two passes.
• Two round turns circles the object twice; requires three passes.

Working end

The active end of a line used in making the knot. May also be called the 'running end'.

Working part

Section of line between knot and the working end.