Animated Knots is a perfect site for learning everything about knots: how to tie them, what they’re for and how to choose the best knot for a specific job.
The site lists 196 knots for ropes, straps, strings, wires, laces, and neckties. You can browse by type (e.g. bends, end loops, and slide & grip) or by activity (e.g. boating, climbing, and decoration). Or browse all the knots alphabetically. Beginners should check out household knots for tying packages, securing shoelaces, tying back curtains, and knotting wires. Or learn basic rope knots to use in all kinds of circumstances.
For each knot, you can watch a step-by-step tying guide with photos and written instructions. You can play the photos like an animation at multiple speeds, and flip horizontally or vertically. Each knot’s page also lists its uses, its history, its pros and cons and details on technique. There are also narrated videos and links to alternative knots or techniques.
The site also has technical articles including a detailed guide to rope safety, terminology for knots and ropes, boating, fishing, and climbing, and multiple guides to types of ropes. If you need your knots offline, you can get Animated Knots as an iOS app or as an Android app for $8. But if you’ve got internet access, the site works great on mobile.
The site does not get into the many elaborate and stupid ways to tie a necktie, just four common tie knots and a bowtie.
But if you’re teaching a kid to tie a necktie, you should try Lifehacker’s tips. And if you need to tie a bowtie, learn from Paul F. Tompkins.
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