How to Tie the Carrick Bend

Did you know that according to Ashley’s Book The Sailor and His Knots, there are 256 different over and under variations of tying the Carrick Bend! The Carrick Bend is also known as the Full Carrick Bend, Sailor’s Knot and Anchor Bend. Also according to Ashley’s it is the nearest thing to being a perfect bend. It would appear that the only real downside is that the knot can be a little on the bulky side.

In the picture below, this is the most secure method of tying the Carrick Bend.

Carrick Bend Strong and Secure

The Carrick Bend has the following excellent qualities; It is easy to tie and does not easily slip even when the material is wet. It does not jam and is easily untied. Finally it is one of the strongest knots!

Hawser Bend Carrick Bend

A Full Carrick Bend, where two rounds of seizing will hold the bend secure.

How to Tie the Carrick Bend Video

This is the longer version of how to tie the Carrick Bend. The second video below is just the knot, with nothing extra added. In the video I show two ways of tying the Carrick Bend. The first way is the less secure way, where the working ends exit the knot on the same side. The Second way, which is also the most secure way to tie a Carrick bend, you will notice that the working ends come out diagonally opposite each other.

How to Tie the Carrick Bend with Seizing

In the photo below, the Carrick Bend is tied similar to how a Carrick Bend is tied in a hawser. First the Carrick Bend is tied, then the two working ends are Seized to the Standing ends. Click here How to Seize Rope.

How to Tie the Carrick Bend Video Tutorial

In this video you will just learn how to tie the Carrick Bend with no excessive chat.

What is a Bend?

When it comes to rope, a bend is a term used when two rope ends are tied together. For example; the Sheet Bend and the Carrick Bend are two different ways of tying two ends of a rope together. It is worth mentioning that the term Bend is not 100% accurate, for example the Anchor Bend is technically not a bend, but a hitch. It is probably called a bend by sailors, as the rope was bent to the object it was being tied.