The double sheet bend is recommended for joining slick, thick or stiff ropes or lines. Doubling the turns makes the knot more resistant to slipping and provides extra holding power.
A. & B. The double sheet bend begins the same as the single sheet bend with an open bight in the first line. Next, pass the end of the second line up through the loop and twice around the legs.
The same caution about diagonal bitter ends (see single sheet bend) applies. When drawing up this knot, don’t simply pull the ends to tighten. Instead, carefully work out the slack in the turns before pulling the legs of the open bight tight as traction against the other working part.
The finished knot. To make the knot relatively permanent, seize the legs of the open bight as well as the other working part to the other bitter end.
Continue building your marlinespike skills by taking the Knots, Bends and Hitches seminar. Find a seminar near you or purchase the USPS guide Knots, Bends and Hitches for Mariners. Call 888-367-8777 ext. 0 for more information.
Original materials used with thanks to Irene Rodriguez and John Bennett |