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A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

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Re: A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

#11

Post by JR1427 »

quibono wrote: post #7

Gosh I need to learn more about knots. I've been thinking about this recently: if I wanted to maximise utility and could only learn 5 knots, what would they be. Or alternatively, what are the "better" alternatives to the classics everyone knows.

Depends what you're doing.

My favourite knot is the bowline. Non-slip loop, very strong, easy to tie, easy to undo. Can be used for tying two ropes together, ropes to things.

Other useful ones (especially for sailing)

* Clove hitch * Reef knot * Rolling hitch * Sheet bend

Re: A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

#12

Post by inanutshellus »

I lived several decades knowing only the standard set of knots (square, granny) that every six-year-old knows.

Recently, due to Scouts, learned more and I can't believe how often I use them.

    "Dryer's busted! My DIY laundry line sags! What to do?!"

    "If only I could make a loop that won't move in the middle of this rope!"
... and... this knot is new to me. I'm stoked to add it to the brainbox. Way to go, OP!

Re: A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

#14

Post by fylham »

quibono wrote: post #7

Gosh I need to learn more about knots. I've been thinking about this recently: if I wanted to maximise utility and could only learn 5 knots, what would they be. Or alternatively, what are the "better" alternatives to the classics everyone knows.

Bowline, truckee’s hitch (the better alternative to a truckers hitch), prussick come to mind

Re: A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

#15

Post by JR1427 »

JR1427 wrote: post #11
quibono wrote: post #7

Gosh I need to learn more about knots. I've been thinking about this recently: if I wanted to maximise utility and could only learn 5 knots, what would they be. Or alternatively, what are the "better" alternatives to the classics everyone knows.

Depends what you're doing. My favourite knot is the bowline. Non-slip loop, very strong, easy to tie, easy to undo. Can be used for tying two ropes together, ropes to things. Other useful ones (especially for sailing) * Clove hitch * Reef knot * Rolling hitch * Sheet bend

Knowing common knots is not just useful because they are handy, but they also represent a common toolkit - when sailing with someone, if I see they tie a certain thing with a specific knot, I can do likewise. When I see a knot I recognise, I immediately know how to untie and re-tie it.

Re: A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

#16

Post by kencausey »

aardvarkr wrote: post #8

Amazing, I love learning about knots! Is there a better shoelace knot? Not faster, but better

I favor a technique I was taught by a nursing student almost 30 years ago. You basically use the usual technique but each time the lace crosses another do it one extra time.

So first you wrap one lace around the other and pull it tight, well before you pull it tight wrap it around one more time. This helps hold the laces tight for the next step where you fold the laces and wrap them around each other. Do that a second time as well before you pull it fully tight.

Without video or illustration I suspect this is not easy to follow. Oh well.

Re: A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

#18

Post by derwiki »

JR1427 wrote: post #11
quibono wrote: post #7

Gosh I need to learn more about knots. I've been thinking about this recently: if I wanted to maximise utility and could only learn 5 knots, what would they be. Or alternatively, what are the "better" alternatives to the classics everyone knows.

Depends what you're doing. My favourite knot is the bowline. Non-slip loop, very strong, easy to tie, easy to undo. Can be used for tying two ropes together, ropes to things. Other useful ones (especially for sailing) * Clove hitch * Reef knot * Rolling hitch * Sheet bend

I’d add tautline hitch, great to have an adjustable-but-holds-well knot to the repertoire!

Re: A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

#19

Post by j13n »

rideontime wrote: post #9
adverbly wrote: post #6

Super cool! Here is how to tie a bow in under 1 second in case anyone wants something that looks a bit cleaner but is less functional: https://m.youtube.com/shorts/Q5qZpQe_4EA

Hard to tell if that's the same as the Ian Knot: https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/ianknot.htm

First thing I thought when I saw it being tied.

"Hey, that's the Ian Knot!"

Re: A better way to tie gym shorts (or any drawstring) [video]

#20

Post by derwiki »

JR1427 wrote: post #11
quibono wrote: post #7

Gosh I need to learn more about knots. I've been thinking about this recently: if I wanted to maximise utility and could only learn 5 knots, what would they be. Or alternatively, what are the "better" alternatives to the classics everyone knows.

Depends what you're doing. My favourite knot is the bowline. Non-slip loop, very strong, easy to tie, easy to undo. Can be used for tying two ropes together, ropes to things. Other useful ones (especially for sailing) * Clove hitch * Reef knot * Rolling hitch * Sheet bend

And figure 8 retrace, a staple climbing knot
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