The clove hitch knot is fairly simple, and it can be useful for securing ropes to trees, posts, or poles. One benefit of this knot is it's fairly easy to adjust the length of the rope if you need to. It's often used in boating and sailing, and you may also use it climbing, as you can tie it with one hand.
1. Wrap the end halfway around the pole. Move from the front to the back and drag the rope over so the end is hanging off the other side of the pole. Create a length of about 6 inches (15 cm) to work with on the end rope, which should be on the other side of the pole.
You can leave a longer end if you want, but it will hang out at the end. You need enough to go around the pole at least twice.You may need to increase the length if you are working with a larger diameter
2. Cross the running end over the part in front. Bring the running end under the pole and then over the part of the rope on the front. Form an "X" with the 2 pieces of rope.
3. Wrap the end of the rope over the pole again. When wrapping, make sure the end stays crossed over the first rope, forming an "X" as you go back around the pole, the same one you made when you crossed the ropes in the last step. Go over the pole, not under. Push it halfway around the pole, though you'll bring it to the front again in a minute.
You should see 2 loops wrapped over the pole, making an "X" in front, the one you just created in the previous step.
4. Slip the end under the piece you just wrapped around the pole. Bring the rope back around to the front. You should see the original loop and the loop you just made. Go under the loop you just made and pull the end out at the top.
With this movement, you'll create a second "X."
5. Tighten the knot to finish it. Pull on both ends of the knot to tighten it up. You may need to push the loops together on the pole if your rope isn't very flexible.
