Basic Figure of 8

(Photo: http://www.fix.com)With the Figure of 8 you can get lots of potential from knowing one basic knot structure. Pawson continued, it can be tied as a stopper, a loop knot, or a bend. Its a very versatile piece of maneuvering. To tie a basic Figure of 8:1. Pass the free end of a line over itself to form a loop.2. Continue under and around the lines end.3. Pass the free end down through the loop.Figure of Eight Loop

(Photo: https://rdl.train.army.mil)Although a Bowline is a useful knot that most people have probably heard of and think to as a go to useful knot, Des Pawson suggests the Figure of 8 Loop. This is a variation on the standard Figure of 8 from above.To tie the Figure of 8 Loop:1. Form a bight (the curved section or slack part between the two ends of a rope) on the rope about as large as the diameter of the desired loop.2. With the bight as the working end, form a loop in rope (standing part).3. Wrap the working end around the standing part 360-degrees and feed the working end through the loop. Dress the knot tightly.Related Story on Yahoo Makers: What This St. Louis Maker Loves Most About His JobTaunt Line Hitch (also known as the Midshipmans Knot)

(Photo: http://en.wikipedia.org)We also found the Taut Line Hitch (also known as the Midshipmans Knot) to be extremely useful when camping. It is the adjustable knot that youre looking for when tying the guy line of a tent to a peg or post. Its easy to slide up or down and loosen. To tie the Taunt Line Hitch:1. Pass the working end around the anchor object. Bring it back alongside of the standing part and make a half-hitch around the standing part.2. Continue by passing the working end over the working part, around the standing part again and back through the loop formed in the first step. Make sure this second wrap tucks in between the first wrap and the working part of the line on the inside of the loop. This detail gives this version its additional security.3. Complete with a half-hitch outside the loop, made in the same direction as the first two wraps, as for a clove hitch.4. Dress by snugging the hitch firmly around the standing part. Load slowly and adjust as necessary.For a video tutorial on this knot, check out the link here.Related Story on Yahoo Makers: 5 Knots Everyone Should Know How to TieChain Sinnet (Also known as the Daisy Chain)

(Photo: http://outdoors.stackexchange.com)One of the best ways to store your ropes or cables like a pro? Try the Chain Sinnet (also known as the Daisy Chain) knot. (Top tip: Dont use this on any fragile cords or cables that could be damaged easily.) To tie the Chain Sinnet:1. Make a noose at the end of the rope.2. Form a loop and tuck it into the noose.3. Make a second loop and tuck it into the previous loop, then a third, then a fourth, and keep repeating.4. When the chain is long enough, lock it by passing the end through the final loop.Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

(Photo: spinnaker-sailing.com)We asked Pawson for advice for one of the most common knots around the house. What exactly is the best knot to use when tying up that washing line in your back yard? His answer: try the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches. The round turn takes a lot of the stress off the line.Although the name of the knot is a mouthful, it refers to the components used to form the knot. The round turn wraps the rope around the object to completely encircling it. And the two half hitches? They secure the end around the standing part.To tie the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches:1. Place rope over pole and take working end over again (it is now a round turn).2. Make one half hitch by passing the working enough round the static end and through to form a loop.3. Make another half hitch around the static end.4. The knot is now complete and the two halves should form a clove hitch.Related Story on Yahoo Makers: Never Lose Your Keys Again With This DIYAnd if youre as fascinated by knots as we are, Mr. Pawson suggests checking out the Ashley Book of Knots. While it might be a bit comprehensive for some, it will certainly answer any question you have about any knot. For those with a little knot knowledge who want to get a bit creative, check out Des Pawsons Knot Craft with step-by-step breakdowns and illustrations for simple crafts like bellropes, key fobs, mats, doorstops, lanyards, and belts.