40 Knots and How to Tie Them

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Princeton Architectural Press; Illustrated edition (September 18, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 143 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 161689718X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1616897185
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.63 x 0.88 x 7.63 inches

40 Knots and How to Tie Them

40 Knots and How to Tie Them is more than just a guide—it’s a tool you’ll want in your back pocket, whether you’re heading into the wild or just trying to hang a tarp in the backyard. This book gives you the know-how to handle rope with confidence, showing you 40 tried-and-true knots you can count on when it matters most.

Inside, you’ll learn to tie the kinds of knots that hold steady in storms and stand up to hard use. The Bowline, Sheepshank, Pile Hitch, and Trucker’s Dolly are just a few of the rugged workhorses covered here. They’re the kind of knots that help you stay dry in the woods, haul heavy loads without slipping, and keep your gear locked down tight. But it’s not all grit—this book also covers the finer side of knotwork, like how to tie decorative knots that add a handmade touch to everyday projects.

The instructions are simple and clear, with hand-drawn diagrams that walk you through each knot, step by step. No fluff, no confusion—just solid teaching that sticks. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who’s been around the block, you’ll find knots here that are worth learning and using.

What sets this book apart is that it doesn’t just teach you knots—it shows you how to use them. Each chapter includes a project where you put your new skills to work. Make a paracord bracelet for your next hike, a coaster for your cabin, or even a hammock to hang between two pines. These hands-on builds help you lock in the lessons and give you something useful to show for it.

40 Knots and How to Tie Them makes a great gift for campers, Scouts, paddlers, survivalists, DIYers, or anyone who believes a good knot is worth knowing. It’s built for folks who like to work with their hands and who know the value of a rope that holds fast.

If you’ve ever wrestled with a slipping knot or wondered how to keep your gear secure, this book is your fix. Simple, sturdy, and packed with real-world uses, it’s a go-to guide that earns its place on the shelf—or better yet, in your pack.

40 Knots and How to Tie Them

40 Knots and How to Tie Them

40 Knots and How to Tie Them is more than just a guide—it’s a tool you’ll want in your back pocket, whether you’re heading into the wild or just trying to hang a tarp in the backyard. This book gives you the know-how to handle rope with confidence, showing you 40 tried-and-true knots you can count on when it matters most.

Inside, you’ll learn to tie the kinds of knots that hold steady in storms and stand up to hard use. The Bowline, Sheepshank, Pile Hitch, and Trucker’s Dolly are just a few of the rugged workhorses covered here. They’re the kind of knots that help you stay dry in the woods, haul heavy loads without slipping, and keep your gear locked down tight. But it’s not all grit—this book also covers the finer side of knotwork, like how to tie decorative knots that add a handmade touch to everyday projects.

The instructions are simple and clear, with hand-drawn diagrams that walk you through each knot, step by step. No fluff, no confusion—just solid teaching that sticks. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who’s been around the block, you’ll find knots here that are worth learning and using.

What sets this book apart is that it doesn’t just teach you knots—it shows you how to use them. Each chapter includes a project where you put your new skills to work. Make a paracord bracelet for your next hike, a coaster for your cabin, or even a hammock to hang between two pines. These hands-on builds help you lock in the lessons and give you something useful to show for it.

40 Knots and How to Tie Them makes a great gift for campers, Scouts, paddlers, survivalists, DIYers, or anyone who believes a good knot is worth knowing. It’s built for folks who like to work with their hands and who know the value of a rope that holds fast.

If you’ve ever wrestled with a slipping knot or wondered how to keep your gear secure, this book is your fix. Simple, sturdy, and packed with real-world uses, it’s a go-to guide that earns its place on the shelf—or better yet, in your pack.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Princeton Architectural Press; Illustrated edition (September 18, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 143 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 161689718X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1616897185
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.63 x 0.88 x 7.63 inches

Editorial Review

“A beautiful and practical tool for the outdoor adventurer and home crafter alike, knots come in handy in just about every situation…Combining cool craftsmanship and savvy design, this book is the perfect gift for any creative adventurer.”
– 
The Backwoodsman

“Anglers who have lost big fish to weak knots are forever regretful. Better to learn the art of knot tying before casting a line. A new book by Lucy Davidson entitled “40 Knots and How to Tie Them” explains, in straightforward fashion with easy-to-understand illustrations, knots most everyone should know – anglers especially. Among these are the blood knot, the perfection loop and the dry fly knot. The 37 other knots in Davidson’s book will come in handy, too.”

“Lucy Davidson takes us on a surprisingly useful and informative tour through the world of knot-tying in “40 Knots and How to Tie Them” (Princeton Architectural Press, $16.95). The book is beautifully illustrated with simple line drawings to help even the most clumsy camper, climber or sailor to master any number of handy knots”

“This slender volume is a practical how-to guide for home crafters and outdoor enthusiasts. Four nicely formatted chapters, heavy with simple illustrations, showcase knots that are suitable for general use, camping, climbing, and maritime activity. Individual entries begin with brief commentary on the history and appropriate use of each knot, followed by clearly written, very easy-to-follow, step-by-step tying instructions. Among the 40 entries are, for example, the “Cat’s Paw,” commonly used as a hitch hook for slings; the “Alpine Butterfly,” used by mountain climbers to attach carabiners to climbing ropes; and the “Anchor Bend,” perfect for securing boats. This handy guide is recommended for the reference shelves of public and school libraries.”
-Booklist Online

“40 Knots and How to Tie Them is a brilliant combination of impressive craftsmanship and clever designs, making it perfect for creative adventurers.”
– GRIT Online

“This book should be accessed with a piece of rope or cord handy because the examples within are all about repetition. The author traces her knot “obsession” with her early shoe-tying days, and backs it up with knot terms and a discussion of rope quality. Such a book demands helpful illustrations, and this one mostly delivers. The really geeky will enjoy the little side projects such as rope ladders and plant-hangers. Organized by knot type (camping, maritime, climbing and classic), there are old standbys and others sure to keep the guy-lines taut.”
-Minneapolis Star-Tribune

About the Author

Lucy Davidson is a graphic designer and illustrator who creates beautiful weaves, runs workshops, and is the creator of a popular craft and design blog, Peas and Needles. She lives in Brighton, England.