Midshipman's Hitch

Also called the Taut-line hitch, Adjustable hitch, Rigger's hitch, Tent-line hitch, and Tent hitch, the Midshipman's Hitch is an excellent knot to create an adjustable loop at the end of a rope. The knot can be slid up and down the standing line to increase or decrease the size of the loop (and thus the length and/or tightness of the standing line) but when load is applied the knot holds securely.

The Midshipman’s Hitch Knot is relatively easy to tie or untie even while holding a load. Watch the video for a breakdown of the steps.

Here are a list of typical uses:

1. Securing tent lines
   
2. Used by arborists while climbing trees
3. Tying down aircraft
   
4. Creating adjustable moorings in tidal areas
5. Secure loads on vehicles
6. It was even used by astronauts during the second Space Shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. [1]
   

In this tutorial we used 1/4" Nylon Utility Rope. It's a great option on or around the water because it floats and holds up well to the elements.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest to keep up with all of our tutorials and share your uses for the Midshipman's Hitch!