How to Tie a Constrictor Knot

Co-authored by Jordan Frazier

Last Updated: February 3, 2025 References

The constrictor knot is simple, versatile, and especially useful for holding things in place. This knot has the ability to tighten itself around an object without becoming loose. There are several variations of how to tie a constrictor knot - the standard method involves wrapping rope around an object and crossing the two rope ends in a manner that cinches the knot closed. A direct variation on this method is the double constrictor knot, which loops around the object an additional time to secure the object even more tightly. A constrictor knot can also be tied by adapting a clove hitch, another simple knot. Finally, this multipurpose knot can be tied in the bight (a loose loop, curve, or semi-circle in the rope) without using the rope ends.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Tying a Standard Constrictor Knot

Download Article

Pull a rope around the back of the object you will be tying a knot around. Pull each end of the rope towards the centre. Cross the right-hand end of the rope over the left-hand end.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Jordan Frazier
Knot Tying Expert

Expert Interview}^{[3]
X
Research source}
2
Loop the rope around once more.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Jordan Frazier
Knot Tying Expert

Expert Interview} Hold the end of the rope that is crossed underneath taut. With your other hand, pull the end of the rope that is crossed overhand behind the object. Pull it around to the other side to meet the opposite rope end.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Alternate this method by attempting a double constrictor knot: instead of looping the rope around once more at this step, do it twice.
Advertisement
Pull the overhand side of the rope under the opposite rope end, between the object and the rope. Thread it under the "X" formed by the crossed rope in the middle. Pull it though to the other side. Pull both ends to tighten.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Jordan Frazier
Knot Tying Expert

Expert Interview}^{[7]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using the Hands Only Method

Download Article

Hold the rope in your left hand (or right hand, if you are left-handed), draped over your four fingers. Brace the rope between your thumb and index finger. Your other three fingers should be curled in loosely to hold the rope.^{[8]
X
Research source}
Grab the rope further down, or near the end, with your right hand, bracing it between your index finger and thumb. Bring your hand around to touch thumbs, creating a loop. Release the rope from the right hand, leaving it secured between the left thumb and index finger. The three other fingers on your left hand should still be holding the rope, through the middle of the loop.^{[9]
X
Research source}
Move the right thumb and index finger downwards to pick up another part of the rope, within the loop. Twist the rope forward, creating the shape of an 8. Bring the side of the 8 shape held by the right hand over onto the other side, looping over the end of the rope.^{[10]
X
Research source}
Loop the right hand over the left thumb, closing the constrictor knot. Pull the end of the rope that is till being held by the last two fingers of your right hand. Tighten the knot.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making an Adapted Clove Hitch

Download Article

Start this method of tying a constrictor knot by tying a clove hitch. Make two loops in a rope; the left loop should be twisted above the rest of the rope, and the right loop should be twisted below. Place the right loop over the left loop, then insert a pole or stick through the loops. Pull the ends of the rope to tighten your clove knot.
Pick up the working end of the rope (i.e. the end of the rope of the right-hand side, if you are right-handed). Pull the rope over and into the top loop of the knot. Pull the rope back through to the right.^{[12]
X
Research source}
Grab each end of the rope and brace them with your index fingers and thumbs. Pull the rope tightly on both sides. Your clove hitch knot is now a constrictor knot.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Tying a Constrictor Knot Without Using Rope Ends

Download Article

Grab a bight in the rope. Pinch it together at the bottom, approximately 10 inches down.Twist the rope where your fingers meet to make a loop.^{[14]
X
Research source}
Twist the lower side of the loop down over the top of the knot. The middle should be twisted, forming two loops.Hold them together firmly.^{[15]
X
Research source}
Slide the object though the loops, or slide the loops over an object. Pull tightly on both ends. Secure the knot.^{[16]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

There is a good chance you may not be able to undo this knot, so be prepared to cut the rope if you need to remove it.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
The kind of rope you use affects the constricting ability of the knot. If you are a tying the knot to a hard object, use a rope that stretches to get the constricting effect.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1