Essential knots

Topics:

Ropes of equal thickness:

Zeppelin Bend: form a 6 and a 9, layer loops, thread ends through loops

For unequal thickness:

Sheet bend: Use thicker end to form a bite, feed thinner end through bite, wrap around bite, and thread under itself.

Bowline: Form a loop with working line, feed free end through loop, around working line, back into loop. "The rabbit runs out of its hole, around the tree, and back into its hole."

Quick release:

Evenk hitch: Twist free end twice to form a loop, lay working line on top. Then form a bite with the free end and feed it through the loop.

Marlin spike hitch: Create a loop and bend it over the standing end. Pull a bite of the standing end through the loop and tighten it around a spike or toggle.

Alpine Butterfly: Wrap rope around your hand twice, pull middle loop under outer loop, over all loops, and under all loops.