Avoid getting yourself in a tangle with the ultimate guide to tying and using knots! Whichever knotty scenario you find yourself in, from in your own garden, to up in the mountains or across seas, this reference book will take you from novice to expert rope tier. Covering more than 100 knots for climbing, sailing, horse-riding, survival, camping, and fishing as well as for gardening, DIY, medical, and even decorative purposes. The photographs of every step use strands of rope in different colours - so you can clearly see how to tie each knot. Inside this visual guide, you'll find: - Accessible text and tables that explain the features and benefits of each knot - Easy to follow step-by-step instructions and pictures for over 100 knots - Sequence spreads displaying the top five knots you need for a range of purposes, from sailing and fishing to gardening and gift-wrapping - Fun facts about some of the oldest knots and their history - Essential information on choosing and using different types of rope and how to maintain them You'll learn all about the fascinating stories behind how many of these knots were first tied as well as their original functions. Each knot has simple to follow instructions on the features and benefits and what they can be used for. Includes knots such as figure-of-eights, reef knots, highwayman's hitches, and monkey's fists. Find out about techniques like sheer lashing and the constrictor knot. The book begins by teaching you all about rope materials and construction and how to maintain them. At the end of the book the glossary and index so you can easily find just the knot you're in need of. There are more than 1,000 photographs, illustrations, and artworks. Expert author Des Pawson is a founding member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. One-Stop Practical Guide to Tying and Using Knots An essential for your knot tying kit, Knots Step by Step is arranged by chapters covering Stopper Knots, Binding Knots, Bends, Hitches, Loops, Plaits & Sennits, and Splices & Whippings. It also includes detailed instructions for over 100 knots and fantastic beginner guides to help boy scouts, nippers and first-time climbers become experienced campers, sailors, and mountaineers. More from DK Books: Don't miss out on more fascinating visual reference books! Look out for The Complete Sailing Manual, RHS How to Garden, and The Survival Handbook from DK Books to put your new-found knot skills to the test.