Paracord Knots And Hitches | How To Make Paracord Hitches

Secure those tents and save your life with these paracord knots and hitches for beginners.

RELATED: 5 Essential Supplies To Make A Paracord Survival Grenade

In this article:

1. Why You Need to Learn How to Knot the Paracords
2. Simple Paracord Hitches You Can Learn Today
   1. Supplies You Need
   2. Two Half-Hitches
   3. The Tautline Hitch
   4. The Slippery Hitch
   5. The Trucker’s Hitch
3. Simple Paracord Knots for Beginners

An Easy Guide to Using Paracord Knots and Hitches for Survival

— This post is courtesy of the American Gun Association shared with permission —

Click here to jump to the infographic.

Why You Need to Learn How to Knot the Paracords

Paracord knots are one of the most useful skills you need to know as a self-reliance connoisseur. Also, parachute cord or paracord is a must-have item for preppers on the go and those living off the grid.

You can learn different paracord knots and hitches to make life easier. These include the king cobra knot or paracord lanyard knots. You can even teach yourself paracord bracelet knots. Regardless of the pattern or design, you can use the knots to bind ropes to other ropes and the hitches to secure objects to the lines.

Simple Paracord Hitches You Can Learn Today

As a DIY survivalist, here are the most critical hitches for beginners you need to know.

Supplies You Need

• Paracord (parachute cord)
• 1 screw eyelet (for practicing)
• 1 PVC pipe or another straight bar (for practicing)

1. Two Half-Hitches

The two half-hitches are part of a group called binding hitches. You use it in situations when you don’t want or need to quickly undo your hitch. Others refer to two half-hitches as clove hitch over itself.

Step 1: Thread the Paracord Through the Eyelet

You can use anything to practice these knots on, but open eyelets are an easy practice tool to use.

Step 2: Wrap the Paracord Around the Outside and Through the Loop It Makes

Use a simple overhand knot for this step.

What Is Overhand Knot? Also known as the basic knot, it is a type of knot characterized by forming a loop and passing an end to the stand and the loop.

Step 3: Repeat Step 2

Tie another overhand knot.

Step 4: Pull Tight

Once weighted, the two half-hitches are tight. It’s simple, but it can be quite challenging to untie, especially with thinner rope and paracord.

2. The Tautline Hitch

Unlike the two half-hitches, the tautline hitch is easy to untie. When there’s no object attached to it, you can easily adjust its placement on your line. This makes it an ideal hitch for lashing down your tent or tarp.

It is also useful in situations where you need to adjust the length of your line.

Step 1: Encircle the Paracord Around the Pin and Behind Itself

Step 2: Wrap the Paracord Over Itself and Through the Loop Two Times

Step 3: Repeat Step 2 Once

Do this step behind (or, in this picture, to the right of) the two other loops. Doing this paracord knot allows you to adjust the length of the paracord.

With the taut line unweighted, slide your hitch up and down the line. It should move without restrictions. Pull your paracord tight to cinch it in place on the line.

3. The Slippery Hitch

If you’re working with your paracord knots, you need to learn the slippery hitch. It is ideal for situations when you need to untie your hitch fast. When fastened over an object, the hitch holds strong. Once you remove the item, a simple tug on the paracord will undo it.

Step 1: Make Two Loops in Your Line (Inverse to Each Other)

This is what inverse loops look like.

Step 2: Thread the Left Loop Through the Right Loop

This is how your paracord should look like.

Step 3: Pull the Right Loop Tight

Step 4: Fasten the Remaining Loop on Your Object

When weighted, the loop will tighten up over the object.

Step 5: To Unfasten the Object, Take the Loop Off

To do this, pull at both ends of the paracord.

Tug at them, and the slippery hitch will come undone!

RELATED: 10 Bug Out Bag Items You Usually Forget To Include | Outdoor Warrior

4. The Trucker’s Hitch

If you have to choose among the paracord knots and hitches, you need to learn the trucker’s hitch by heart. It is useful when you need to secure something as tightly as possible.

The most common use of the trucker’s hitch is fastening things on top of cars or truck beds.

Step 1: Hitch One End of Your Paracord to a Point

Use this opportunity to practice the impressive paracord knots and hitches we talked about earlier! It doesn’t matter how you affix this end as you can make a trucker’s hitch from this fixed point.

Step 2: Make a Loop in the Line Outside Your Initial Tie-Down Point

Step 3: Twist the Loop Three to Four Times

Tie your paracord in the same way as above.

Step 4: Make a Slippery Hitch

Take the free end of your line and feed a bite of it through your twisted loop.

Pull the bite through just like you did with your slippery hitch.

Step 5: Tighten Up the Slippery Hitch

You made the trucker’s hitch!

Simple Paracord Knots for Beginners

Sometimes, a single rope is not enough to do a hitch. This is where your knowledge of paracord knots come in handy. Here are four basic styles to learn:

• Figure 8 Knot — It is a type of stopper knot. It prevents ropes from running out of retaining devices.
• Bowline Knot — It is one of the paracord knots that are easy to tie and untie. You will have no problem untying this knot even after subjecting it to a load.
• Clove Hitch Knot — Also known as a double hitch, its most effective use is being a crossing knot.
• Reef Knot — You can use this paracord knot to secure objects.

Here’s an infographic guide of the different paracord knots and hitches you can do. Don’t forget to download, save, or share this handy infographic for reference: