Knots are a part of Scoutcraft, but I have to admit that knots are not my strong suit. I will learn a knot and be able to do it from memory, but then a few weeks later when I try to repeat, I find I need to learn it again. (My favorite knot book – shown on the right – has been a real lifesaver for me when working on knots.)
One thing I can remember is the terminology though. And I find it helpful to go over the terms with my Webelos before we start working on learning a knot. That way we have a common vocabulary to start with.
Knot Terminology
While knot terminology is extensive (and not always consistent), these basic terms will help Scouts when they are learning knots:
line – the rope or string which is being worked with
hitch – a knot tied to a post or ring
bend – knot for joining two lines
lashing – a method of holding two spars or sticks together
whipping – binding the end of a line with a smaller line so it does not fray
loop – a line crosses over itself to form a closed circle
standing end – the end of the line which is not being worked with
working end or running end– the end of the line which is being worked on or moved to develop the knot
wrap – wraps of rope around sticks are spars as part of a lashing
frap – perpendicular to wraps in a lashing, fraps tighten the wraps
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