Double Sheet Bend

The Sheet Bend / Double Sheet Bend is used to fasten two lines together of different diameters.  But it can also be used to fasten two lines together of the same size.

The Sheet Bend / Double Sheet Bend is quick and easy to tie.  If the larger line is quite a bit larger than the smaller line or the larger line is stiff then the Double Sheet Bend should be used and the end of the bight in the larger line should be tied to itself to keep it from straightening out and becoming undone.

When tied in the end of a line with a loop in it, it becomes a Becket Bend.  The Becket Bend it tied exactly the same.

The difference between a Sheet Bend and Becket Bend makes a good trivia question from time to time.

Since the two knots are tied so close to the same, I have merged the instructions for both of them below.  I hope this does not confuse anyone.

Sheet Bend / Double Sheet Bend – Step 1

Sheet Bend / Double Sheet Bend – Step 1 –

Make a bight in the larger line to be tied together.

Pass the smaller line up through the bight and around the larger line.

Sheet Bend / Double Sheet Bend – Step 2

Sheet Bend / Double Sheet Bend – Step 2  –

Pass the smaller line under itself.  Both ends of the two lines should be on the same side

Sheet Bend – Step 3

Finished Sheet Bend – Step 3 –

Work the slack out of both lines and you have a finished Sheet Bend

Slippery Sheet Bend

Slippery Sheet Bend  –

Tuck a bight in the smaller line under itself and work the slack out.  This makes the Bend / Knot “slippery” or easy to release.

This is an easy way to pass a line to another vessel and the heaving line will be easy to remove.

Double Sheet Bend – Step 3

Double Sheet Bend – Step 3 –

Loop the smaller line twice around the larger line while going under itself.

The Double Sheet Bend is more secure than the single Sheet Bend.

Double Sheet Bend – Step 4 – Finished

Double Sheet Bend – Step 4 –

Work the slack out of the two lines and you have a Double Sheet Bend.

The Double Sheet Bend is more secure, I usually use a Double Sheet Bend for the added security.

Double Sheet Bend with seizing

Double Sheet Bend with Seizing –

Fasten the short end of the Bight to itself to make the knot more secure and reduce the chance of the larger line catching on something.  If the larger line is quite a bit larger than the smaller line or stiffer than the smaller line then it becomes more important to fasten the short end of the bight in the larger line to itself.

I use a Double Constrictor Knot to fasten the short end.  Put the crossover of the Double Constrictor on one of the lines, that makes the knot a bit more secure, but if you pull down the Double Constrictor hard enough expect to cut it off.

Thanks for your interest in and support of Boating Safety

– c / m –