How to Tie the Clove Hitch

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The clove hitch is used to begin and end many lashings. Here’s how to tie it:

• Bring the running end of the rope over and under a pole.
• Take the end around a second time, crossing over the first wrap to form the shape of an X.
• Bring the rope end around a third time and tuck it under the X. The ends of the rope should come out between the legs of the X. If they come out to either side of the X, you don’t have a clove hitch.
• Pull the ends of the rope to tighten the hitch.