surgeon's knot

Surgeon's knot
The surgeon's knot before tightening showing the two twists in the bottom and the one on top.
Names	Surgeon's knot, Ligature knot
Category	Binding
Category #2	Bend
Related	reef knot, Double overhand knot
ABoK	#461, #463, #1209

The surgeon's knot is a simple modification to the reef knot. It adds an extra twist when tying the first throw, forming a double overhand knot, thus adding friction which makes the knot more secure. This knot is named for the fact that it is commonly used by surgeons in situations where it is important to maintain tension on a suture. Surgeon's knots are used in fly fishing, in tying quilts, and for tying knots with twine.

Some sources categorize the surgeon's knot as a bend, since it can be effective as such.^[1] It is used in this manner in jewelry-making to secure items (such as a bracelet) strung on stretch-type cord.^{[citation needed]}

Like the reef knot, the surgeon's knot capsizes and fails easily if one of the working ends is pulled away from the standing end closest to it.

A surgeon's knot tied in nylon rope and tightened.

See also

• List of bend knots
• List of binding knots
• List of knots

References

1. ^ Geoffrey Budworth, The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots (London: Hermes House, 1999), 54.

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