The clove hitch is easy tie and is useful to know for bushcraft, survival and outdoor use. It can be used to help with general bushcraft duties, like to starting off and ending lashings to secure shelters, make tripods, etc.
An advantage of the clove hitch is that it can easily be adjusted without untying the hitch. It can also be tied either mid line or at the end of the line. The clove hitch can also be tied with one hand and can be tied in a couple of different ways.
The disadvantages of the clove hitch, is that it can slip and bind.
How To Tie A Clove Hitch.
1. Make a turn around the pole to the left. 2. Then cross the working end (tag end.) over to the right of the standing part. 3. Make a turn around the pole. 4. Thread the working end back under the loop. 5. Dress the hitch, and pull tight. Ensure that the working end and standing part are parallel to each other.
The clove hitch is also referred to as a Double Hitch. As it is basically two half hitches together. With that in mind, here is another way to tie the clove hitch.
This way is mid rope; 1. Make a loop. 2. Then make another loop exactly the same as the first. 3. Place the second loop behind the first loop. 4. Slide the hitch can over the pole or spar. 5. Tighten and dress the knot.
Another way to remember the clove hitch on a bight, is to say, “Right over left, (Loop.) right over left again, right under left.” Place over pole.
The clove hitch can slip and ideally the tension should be maintained on the line at about 90 degrees to the pole or attachment point.
In the picture above: The clove hitch was used to finish the tripod lashing for the debris shelter.
Clove hitch with button stone and tarp, or poncho.
The clove hitch can also be used to secure a tarp or poncho where there are no tie off points, like grommets or webbing loops on the tarp. A clove hitch is tied around the tarp, with a button stone under the tarp. (Which is an improvised button, like a smooth pebble, pip, small pine cone or short section of wood. A small snow ball squeezed hard in winter. Even wadded up leaves, material, or cordage could be used as a button stone.)
The button stone and clove hitch are also handy to pull out the middle of the tarp, so it doesn’t sag in, giving you more room in a lean to type configuration.
Just recently, I watched a bushcraft YouTube video where a wool blanket was used to create a makeshift cloak. The clove hitch was used with a button stone to secure the blanket together for the cloak.
Summary.
The clove hitch is a good hitch to learn and handy for bushcraft, survival and campcraft use.
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