July 2011

Mastering marlinespike

Jar sling

Also called the jug sling knot, the jar sling is used to carry bulky objects such as water jugs. This interlaced constricting knot tightens further when pulled from both sides. It is usually made using a short piece of rope.

In the following example, assume there are two bitter ends:

A. Form a closed underhand loop and take the left bitter end through the loop from the back.

B. Take the other bitter end and go in front of the first bitter end, through the loop from the back and behind the new lower loop.

C. Place the right middle loop through the left middle loop.

D. Take the large upper loop and place it through the remaining loop.

E. Shape the knot by opening the hole in the center and place the neck of the jar or jug into this opening.

F. Tighten by pulling the two bitter ends together against the remaining loop.

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