StopperBeginner

Overhand knot

Get to know Overhand knot: what it does, when to use it, what to check and the mistakes to avoid.

Thumb knot · single overhand

1The knot in plain words

In one sentence…

The overhand knot is the simplest stopper knot: a small knot at the end of a line that keeps it from slipping through a hole.

What does it do?

It puts a small lump at the end of a rope, so the rope can't pull back through a hole or ring.

When do I use it?

For a quick, light stopper, to stop a cut end from fraying for a while, or to give your hand a better grip.

Why learn it first?

It is the building block of many other knots, including the figure eight and the reef knot.

When not?

Not where you'll need to untie it after a heavy load: it can jam hard. And never as a life-safety knot.

2Knot ID card

Knot family: Stopper knot
Difficulty: Beginner (the easiest)
Holds a steady load: Only if it's bigger than the opening
Unties after load: Often not: it can jam
Weak point: Small, and jams when loaded
Also called: Thumb 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 knot is bigger than the hole or fitting it must stop at.
There is one neat tuck, with no loose or extra turn.
A short tail sticks out beyond the knot.

4Key points

1.
Overhand = the simplest stopper knot.
2.
Make a loop, tuck the end through once, pull tight.
3.
Small knot: check it can't pass through the opening.
4.
It jams after heavy loads; the figure eight is easier to untie.

5Frequent mistakes

Mistake: Using it as a stopper on a sheet or halyard that will take big loads.
Correct: Tie a figure-eight stopper: it is bulkier and easier to untie afterwards.
Mistake: Assuming the small knot will stop the line at a large opening.
Correct: Check the size. For a larger hole, add bulk with a double overhand or use another stopper.
Mistake: Tying it right at the very end of the rope.
Correct: Leave a short tail so the knot can't roll off the end.

6Don't mix it up

7Questions sailors ask

What is an overhand knot used for?

It's a simple stopper that keeps a rope from slipping through a hole, and a quick way to stop an end fraying or improve grip.

Overhand knot or figure eight: which is better?

For a stopper on a boat, the figure eight. It is bulkier and much easier to untie after a load.

Why is an overhand knot hard to untie?

Under load it pulls down very tight on itself and can jam, especially in thin or wet line.

How do I make an overhand knot bigger?

Take an extra turn through the loop to make a double overhand knot. It gives a bulkier stopper for a larger hole.

8Test yourself

Question 1/3

What is the overhand knot mainly used for?

Test all knots in the knots exam →

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

Content reviewed on September 21, 2026