Cross constrictor knot
| Cross constrictor knot | |
|---|---|
 Left: Thighthened Cross constrictor knot, top and bottom view | |
| Names | Cross constrictor knot, Double constrictor knot with crossing bridges |
| Category | Binding |
| Related | Clove hitch, transom knot, strangle knot, miller's knot, boa knot, Constrictor knot |
Cross constrictor knot is a variant of the Constrictor knot. It has an additional riding turn that crosses the existing riding turn.
The Cross constrictor knot may also be described as
- A double Constrictor knot where the riding turns are on top of one another rather than riding along
- A riding turn riding in one variation a Constrictor knot, and in another variation a Strangle knot.
- An overhand knot, under a riding turn, which itself is under another riding turn.
Properties
The Cross constrictor knot is similar to the double Constrictor knot and has therefore similar characteristics. Any difference is because the two riding turns cross and therefore ride each other; this gives an additional jamming or locking effect.
The Cross constrictor knot is also similar to the Strangle knot and is therefore similar in characteristics to that one too. Any difference is because it has an additional riding turn that crosses the existing riding turn, and that the ends come out not from the side but from in between turns; this gives additional jamming or locking effect.
The Cross constrictor knot is harder to tighten, harder to untie, more stable, builds more knot height than the double Constrictor knot, more knot width than either Constrictor knot or the Strangle knot due to 3 turns rather than 2.
Tying
Depending on whether the end of the object to be tied is available or not, one of the two tying instructions illustrated below may be used.
- Start with a simple knot,
- Make its turn long with the simple knot on a short side,
- Pull the middle of both long sides one over the other to have two points of crossing, therefore to form three holes. The two points of crossing will become the two points of riding.
- Fold the hole nr1, the one nearest the simple knot, over hole nr2, the one in the middle.
- Pass the hole nr3 over the simple knot, fold and place it on the back side of hole nr1.
- pass the object to constrict thru the three holes, and tighten.
Step 1 of tying Cross constrictor knot: simple knot
Step 2 of tying Cross constrictor knot: simple knot, sides pulled to form 3 loops
Step 3 of tying Cross constrictor knot: simple knot side loop folded over the middle loop
Step 4 of tying Cross constrictor knot: the far side loop folded over the simple knot
Final step of tying Cross constrictor knot: object thru the 3 loops
A : turn around object at right side then at left side forming a figure-eight just like on a cleat
B : Complete the Figure-eight lashing
C : Complete the overhand knot with the main line under both riding turns, entering from left
D : Dress
E : Tighten
Variations
Variations involve starting with an underhand knot instead of an overhand knot, and passing the middle of one side over the other side rather than under. There are effectively only two variations starting with a simple knot (overhand or underhand); The difference is in the direction of the topmost riding turn :
- The side leaving the simple knot on top is tucked under the other side : This variation is a strangle knot with an additional riding turn across its riding turn. The bottom riding turn in this variation runs in the grove of the simple knot, is therefore likely to have slightly lower profile, and has more friction surface.
- The side leaving the simple knot on top has the other side tucked under itself : This variation is a constrictor knot with an additional riding turn across its riding turn. The bottom riding turn in this variation crosses the grove of the simple knot, is therefore likely to have slightly higher profile, and has more friction causing pressure on a smaller friction surface.
Notes and references
Translated from corresponding Turkish Wikipedia page.
