How to tie a Franciscan knot with animated help

Learn how to tie a knot, but not just any old knot... a fransciscan knot. You'll never have any troubles again tying fransciscan knots, thanks to this Marinews animated tutorial. You can learn by simply watching the knot tying animation at a moderate speed, or if need be, click on "learn by steps" to get step-by-step rope knot instructions for fransciscan knots.

The Fransciscan Knot is most likely the least standardized in naming of all knots. Every boat or occupation have a varying style and name for this knot. The Fransciscan Knot is used for the purpose of providing a weighted end to a rope or cord, helping it to be passed from ship to shore or up over a high branch etc. The form of Fransciscan Knot here is probably the most basic and is easily tied. If a more permanent arrangement is required, it is suggested you splice the tag end into the rope above the knot to help stop wear and to provide an extra handle.

Rope knots can basically be divided into the following groups:

1. Bends - Joining two lines by intertwining them, without splicing, or sewing.
2. Hitches - A knot that secures a rope or line to another object.
3. Stopper – Used to bind strands at the end of a rope to stop fraying or unraveling. Also formed to stop a rope slipping through a hole or to provide a weight or handhold.
4. Bindings – Much like hitches. They are used to bind either lines or objects together. Their aim is to keep objects in place.
5. Splices – Describes the act of joining the ends, or the end and a standing part, of rope by interweaving strands. They are not knots in themselves.
6. Loops – Loops create structures used to tie, or secure, another object or line to another line. They can be formed at the end or midway a length of rope.
7. Plaits - Weaving several lines together to form a pattern and a cohesive structure.
8. Miscellaneous & Decorative – Knots that have decorative, dress or multiple category characteristics.