Half Hitch

Form a loop around the object. Pass the end around the standing end and through the loop. Tighten into a Half Hitch which is designed to take a load (Arrow) on the standing end.

Uses: Ashley described the Half Hitch (ABOK # 50, p 14) as "tied with one end of a rope being passed around an object and secured to its own standing part with a Single Hitch."

Comparison: The animation shows the close similarity between:

• The Overhand Knot – tied in the end of a rope;
• The Half Hitch – attaches a rope to something, e.g., a Hitching Post;
• The Half Knot – a binding knot – first part of a Square (Reef) Knot.

Tying it: As shown in the animation it can be capsized from looking like an overhand knot into the normal look of a Half Hitch. In this animation the second Half Hitch shows how it is customarily tied - wrapping it round the standing end and tucking it under itself.

Two Half Hitches: The first Half Hitch is nearly always followed by a second – or more. It is customary to pass the rope the same way around to make both Half Hitches. This creates aClove Hitch around the standing end. When the second Half Hitch is reversed it creates aCow Hitch round the standing end.

Recommendations: Although two Half Hitches do make a complete "Hitch", it is better to begin by first passing the rope around the post or bollard a second time to make the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches. This is more secure and provides easier control of the load while tying the Half Hitches.