In this series, “Five Knots Of The Navy SEALs” we have already covered how to successfully tie both a square knot and a bowline knot.  It is recommended that you learn how to tie both of those knots before moving on to the clove hitch.   However, as a Navy SEAL you will need to be able to effectively tie all three of these knots.

The clove hitch is generally use for tying a knot around a hitch or post.  The knot is usually first tied and then placed over the hitch or post.  Follow the simple steps outlined below to successfully learn how to tie a clove hitch.  Once you have learned how to tie this knot please remember that you may required to tie this knot underwater during your Navy SEAL training.  Therefore, you should practice in water conditions at some point.

STEP #1: Place your rope in front of you.  Many professionals who use this knot will lay out as detailed below.

STEP #2: Create a loop in the rope as detailed below.

STEP #3: Now create a second loop positioned upwards that is identical to the first loop that your crafted as detailed below.

STEP #4: Now cross the loops over top of one another do that they form a knot, instead of two simple loops on top of each other.

STEP #5: Finally place the two loops over top of the hitch or post that you are using.

As you can see the clove hitch knot is very simplistic in nature and is very easy to use.

In the next article in this series we will be covering how to tie a right-angle knot.