BendIntermediate
Carrick bend
Get to know Carrick bend: what it does, when to use it, what to check and the mistakes to avoid.
Carrick knot
ImageGen adaptation of a photo by USCG PTC Developer · CC BY-SA 4.0
1The knot in plain words
In one sentence…
The carrick bend joins two heavy ropes with a woven over-and-under pattern that doesn't slip and unties well afterwards.
What does it do?
It joins the ends of two large ropes, such as hawsers, that are too stiff to tie easily into other bends.
When do I use it?
For big line that will take a heavy strain, and for wet or slippery rope when you need a join that unties easily.
Why does it change shape?
Loose, it looks like two interlocking loops. Pulled tight, it rolls into a compact knot that is hard to recognise.
How do I keep it flat?
Traditionally each end is seized to its own standing part. Then it stays open and unties very easily.
2Knot ID card
- Knot family
- Bend (joins two ropes)
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Holds a steady load
- Yes, it doesn't slip, even wet
- Unties after load
- Yes, most easily with seized ends
- Weak point
- Changes shape when pulled tight
- Also called
- Carrick knot
3How to check it
Step-by-step tying is being checked on real rope before we publish it. Until then, use the illustration and the checks below.
The weave alternates over and under at every crossing.
The two ends leave diagonally, on opposite sides of the knot.
Each end is seized to its standing part, or you expect the knot to roll into a compact shape.
4Key points
- 1.
Carrick bend = a bend for heavy, stiff rope.
- 2.
Over, under, at every crossing.
- 3.
Ends diagonally opposite; seize them to keep it flat.
- 4.
Pulled tight, it changes shape: that's normal.
5Frequent mistakes
Mistake: Breaking the pattern: two overs or two unders in a row.
Correct: Retie it. Every crossing must alternate, or it isn't a true carrick bend.
Mistake: Leaving short ends on big rope.
Correct: Leave long ends, so there's enough to seize to the standing parts.
Mistake: Thinking it failed because it changed shape under load.
Correct: An unseized carrick rolls into a compact shape when pulled tight. Seize the ends if it must stay flat.
6Don't mix it up
- Sheet bendFor everyday line the sheet bend is quicker. On big, stiff rope the carrick avoids the sheet bend's sharp nips.Study it →
- Double sheet bendJoining a thin line to a thick one? The double sheet bend is made for ropes of very different size.Study it →
- Reef knotBoth look symmetrical, but the reef knot is a binding knot, not a way to join two loaded ropes.Study it →
7Questions sailors ask
What is a carrick bend used for?
To join two large, stiff ropes such as hawsers, especially when the join will take a heavy strain.
Why does my carrick bend change shape?
Pulled tight, it rolls into a compact knot that looks quite different. That's normal; seize the ends if you want it to stay flat.
Is the carrick bend easy to untie?
Yes. Even after a big strain it isn't hard to untie, and with the ends seized it unties very easily.
Carrick bend or sheet bend?
Sheet bend for everyday line and ropes of different size. Carrick bend for two big, heavy ropes.
8Test yourself
What is the carrick bend best for?
Screen study teaches what the knot is for and how to check it. It doesn't prove you can tie it: practise with real rope, and never use these knots for climbing, rescue or anything that holds a person.
Sources
- Scouting America, Troop Leader Resources — Carrick Bend Further Information
- Scouting America, Troop Leader Resources — Pioneering Knots
- Maritime Studies SA — Knots, bends and hitches (Nautical Science Grade 10)
Content reviewed on September 21, 2026