Thumb or Overhand Knot

This is the simplest of all knots and has certainly been known for many thousands of years.  It is tied at the end of a light line to keep it from fraying, or to prevent the end from passing through a block and getting lost.  As a result it is known as a "stopper" knot.

There are many versions, but this is the one that can be tied by everyone.  It can be hard to untie once it has had any pressure put on it.

1, Take the rope and make a loop near the working end. (Remember, this is called a crossing turn.)  The loop can be formed by taking a turn around your thumb.  Pass the end of the rope across the standing part and then through the loop.
2. Your rope should now look like the illustration. Pulling the ends away from one another takes up the slack to give a thumb knot.

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