Reef Knot

Reef Knot Tutorial

Step 1:

Begin with a regular Left-over-Right Starting Knot.

Note the short ends in this diagram, which are an example of where the Reef Knot is probably most needed.

Step 2:

The steps for tying are the exact opposite of the Starting Knot. Cross the right (blue) end over the left (yellow) end. The right (blue) end is now on the left side.

Step 3:

Begin to wrap the left (blue) end around the front of the right (yellow) lace to end up at the back of the gap between the laces.

Step 4:

Feed the left (blue) end through the gap to emerge at the front left-hand side. Pull tight to complete the knot.

Untying the Reef Knot

Most shoelace knots are untied by simply pulling on one or both of the loose ends. These act as “drawstrings”, which pull the loops back through the knot until it falls apart.

Because the Reef Knot has neither loops nor drawstrings, many people resort to picking it apart. However, it can also be untied as follows:

Untying – Step 1:

Pull one end upwards until its curves have been pulled into a straight line. As seen here, the right (yellow) end has been pulled straight. The left (blue) end has rearranged itself into two mirrored loops with the right (yellow) end running through them.

Untying – Step 2:

Simply slide the left (blue) double-loop up and outwards along the straight (yellow) lace until it falls off the end.

Technical Details

Military Usage

I've been told that the Reef Knot has been used by those in the U.S. Army, with the ends simply tucked into the top of the boots – the theory being that there are then no loops that could snag and pull the knot undone.

Rate This Shoelace Knot

More “Reef Knot” Pages

Flip Book

Animated Flip Book for the Reef Knot.

Feedback

Visitors' Feedback about the Reef Knot.

Related Links

Standard Knot

Regular shoelace knot done with loops, which requires more length.

The “Granny Knot”

The balanced Reef Knot is at the core of my “Granny Knot” advice.

Half & Half Lacing

This lacing begins with a Reef Knot to join the two colored half-laces.

Corset Lacing

This lacing finishes with a Reef Knot to form a closed loop.

Knotted Segment Lacing

This lacing uses a Reef Knot mid-way to create two permanent segments.