Knot of the Week – The Stopper Knot
Some knots are glamorous. Some sound impressive. Some make you feel like an old sea dog even if you are really still wondering which bit of rope is called the bitter end. The stopper knot is not glamorous, but it is one of the most useful knots you can learn.
A stopper knot does exactly what it says on the tin. It makes the end of a rope thicker, so it does not slip through a hole, a block, or straight through your fingers at the very moment you least want it to. It is one of those simple little knots that can prevent a surprising amount of annoyance. In sailing, that usually means stopping a sheet or control line disappearing where it should not. On land, it can stop a drawstring vanishing into a coat, which is a tragedy all of its own.
There are several knots that can be used as stopper knots, but the one most beginners meet first is the figure of eight knot. It is quick to tie, easy to inspect, and easy to untie afterwards, which is more than can be said for some knots I have created in moments of panic. The figure of eight forms a neat chunky end in the rope that does a very good job of saying, “No further.”
To tie a simple stopper knot such as a figure of eight, take the end of the rope, pass it over the standing part to make a loop, then take the end behind and through the loop. Pull it snug and you should see the shape of an “8”. If your knot looks more like modern art, try again. The beauty of this knot is that once you have tied it a few times, your hands begin to remember it even when your brain is busy worrying about the wind, the tiller, the mooring, or lunch.
How to Tie a Double Overhand Stopper Knot
If the simple overhand knot feels a bit… underwhelming, the double overhand stopper knot is its bigger, more dependable cousin. It creates a larger, bulkier stop, making it much better at preventing ropes slipping through fittings.
Step-by-step
Make a loop
Take the working end of the rope and pass it over the standing part to form a loop (just like the basic overhand knot).
Wrap again
- Instead of going through once, take the working end around and through the loop a second time.
Pull through neatly
Make sure both turns sit nicely next to each other (not crossed or twisted).
Tighten
Pull the knot snug. You should now have a chunky, compact stopper.
What it’s doing
By passing the rope through the loop twice, the knot:
Creates a larger stopper than a single overhand
Increases friction, so it holds better
Makes it less likely to pull through blocks or cleats
Pros and cons
✔ Advantages
Bigger and more secure than a simple overhand
Still quick to tie
Good for slippery modern ropes
✖ Disadvantages
Even harder to untie after heavy load
Can jam tightly if really pulled hard
When to use it
End of sheets where you want extra security
Control lines that must not run out
Slippery ropes (modern braided lines)
When a standard overhand feels too small
A practical tip
Dress the knot neatly before tightening. If it’s twisted or messy:
It won’t sit properly
It may jam even worse
It won’t look very “salty” (always important!)
Final thought
Think of the double overhand knot as the overhand knot that’s had a good breakfast — bigger, stronger, and much less likely to slip.
Just remember… once it’s pulled tight, it may be there for the long haul!
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