| Half hitch | |
|---|---|
A half hitch tied around a pole |
|
| Category | Hitch |
| Origin | Ancient |
| Related | Two half-hitches, Clove hitch, Munter hitch, single hitch |
| Releasing | Non-jamming |
| Typical use | As part of other knots |
The half hitch is a simple overhand knot, where the working end of a line is brought over and under the standing part. Insecure on its own, it is a valuable component of a wide variety of useful and reliable hitches, bends, and knots.
One instance where a half hitch stands on its own without additional embellishment is when added to a timber hitch to help stabilize a load in the direction of pull. A timber hitch is tied on the far end of the load to bind it securely and a half hitch made at the forward end to serve as a guide for the rope.
The knot is attractive to the eye and so is used decoratively for French whipping which is also known as half hitch whipping.[1]