Bight: a bend or kink placed on a rope.

Fray: the strings and fluff that occurs when a rope unravels.

Free end: the long end you use for tying knots!

Line: a length of rope which is being used for a something.

Tail or tailing end: the little piece of rope that sticks out from a knot after it's tied.

Working end: the end of a rope which is already attached to something.

Knot security: no, it's not a knot with good self-esteem--it's one that resists untying or breaking the line, despite the stress of weight, vibration, or giggling movements. For example, a slip knot is more secure knot than a square knot.

2torial #0540: Learn2 Tie Basic Knots (Continued) Knot 1: Get half-hitched The most basic of knots is called a half hitch. In a slightly different form it's popularly known as an overhand knot, which is the first step to tying shoelaces. The half hitch, though insufficient for most uses by itself, is a necessary building block for most of the other knots in this 2torial. Step 1: Hold it Hold your practice rope in your non-dominant hand. Call the end in your nondominant hand the working end. Mostly you just want to keep the working end out of your way. Now pick up the free end, the end you want to tie, with your dominant hand. Step 2: Wrap it Pass the free end under and around your leg. Pretend that your leg is an object you need to secure with the rope. Step 3: Cross it Take the free end and pull it up parallel to the working end. Cross the free end over the working end. Push the free end under the loop created by the cross-over. Pull the free end to snug down the knot. Knot 2