How to Tie a Hangman’s Noose Knot

Step 1: Create bight Create a large “U”-shaped bend—or “bight” tipped on its left side—with the end of the rope.
TIP: This knot requires a minimum of seven turns, so leave plenty of rope after your bight to work with.
Step 2: Create another bight Create another bight at the end of the first one bending back in the opposite direction. The rope should look like an “S,” with all three legs parallel to each other.
Step 3: Wrap end over legs Put the end of the rope under all three legs, and then wrap the end over the three legs. This is considered one “turn.”
Step 4: Continue wrapping Continue wrapping the end of the rope around all three legs (coiling it upwards) at least six more times, tightening each turn one by one as you make it.
TIP: You can make more than seven turns, but always use an odd number so you can finish off the knot properly.
Step 5: Finish turns When you’re done making your turns, there should be a little bit of rope left over at the end, and the top of the second bight should be just poking out above the topmost turn, forming a loop.
Step 6: Pass end through loop Pass the very end of the rope through this loop from front to back.
Step 7: Tighten To tighten, pull down on the right-hand edge of the noose created by the first bight.
FACT: Being a hangman or executioner used to be a family profession in France.

Lessons in this Guide