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Knots for Tying Up Bags or Sacks

Not so long ago, just about everything came in sacks and there were a number of ways of not just sealing a sack shut, but also lifting sacks. So what I thought I would do is, put together a selection of knots that can be used to tie up bags. Some knots you will already know and use for other purposes, but they can also be used for sealing and lifting sacks or bags.

Clove Hitch or Post Hitch

Ashley’s Book of Knots mentions that although this is not a very secure hitch, it is easy to tie on a sack as a binding knot. I would also go as far as to say that, the Clove Hitch could also be used a way of lifting or hanging a sack out of the way.

Constrictor Knot for Dynamite Cartridge

Ashley’s Book of Knots mentions that the Constrictor Knot makes a good knot for sealing the throat of the Dynamite Cartridge, a long stick is used to form a hole at the top of the cartridge and down the full length of the contents so that the fuse can then be inserted. I am not sure that Dynamite is readily available, but the constrictor knot makes a great knot to seal your sack.

Bag Knot

388 and 1241 in Ashley’s Book of Knots, he also mentions that the Bag Knot, Sack Knot and Miller’s Knot are interchangeable. “Many millers use a round turn with the ends reef knotted or else secured with a Drawknot or Half Bowknot. Some employ a Clove Hitch, slipped, which is the least practical. Additional Bag Knots are given in Chapters 16 & 27. The Constrictor Knot (#1249) is the securest of all; but it is not easily untied unless a Slip Loop is added.”

Sack Knot

389 and 1242 in Ashley’s Book of Knots

Miller’s Knot

390 and 1243 in Ashley’s Book of Knots

Thief Knot or Bag Knot or Bread Bag Knot

This particular knot has the characteristics of looking very much like a Reef Knot, however, it is not really a securing knot, as it is prone to fail! It is believed that this knot was used by sailors. They would tie up bags using the Their Knot, but a thief would thinks it to be a Reef Knot. So if the bag has been tampered with, the owner would instantly see that is has been tampered with and tied wrong.

Jug Sling Knot

Although as the name suggests, it is used around the neck of a bottle. The Jug Sling Knot can also be used to to tie the neck of a heavy sack.

Quick Tie Jug Sling. This is the quick tie method, that is not as symmetrical as the traditional method, but works just as well.

Traditional Method of tying the Adjustable Jug Sling Knot

Blackwall Hitch

The Blackwall Hitch can be used to hang a partially filled sack from a hook. The Blackwall Hitch always amazes me, it is so simple and looks as though it will fail, but when loaded, it holds firm.

Prusik Knot

The Prusik Knot is very easy to tie and form this you can create the Prusik Bottle Sling. There is no reason why this particular knot can not be used to tie up the neck of a sack, so that it can be hung out of the way.

Sack Lift Knot

The Sack Lift knot is just so simple and easy to tie. Also when you have finished with it, it almost falls apart when the tension is released. So a really quick and simple way of lifting sacks.

Sack Knot

This is a rather novel and relatively new way of tying up the neck of a sack

Surgeon’s Knot or Ligature Knot

I have to say, that I often use the Surgeon’s Knot as a good binding knot. Although the Reef Knot could be used, I just find that the extra turn give additional security.

Sack Knot Comments

I am sure that there are other knots out there to use as a sack knot. If I have missed any, please do let me know in the comments below?