The square knot is the most basic joining knot, used to join the ends of two ropes. It is also the first knot learned in the Boy Scouts.

To tie a square knot:

1.) Place an end of each rope in each of your hands.

2.) Tie an overhand knot, passing the rope in your right hand over and then under the rope in your left hand. At this time, the rope ends have switched hands such that the rope that began in your right hand is in your left and vice versa.

3.) Next, tie another overhand knot, this time passing the rope in your left hand over the rope in your right hand.

4.) Pull the knot snug and you have tied a square knot!

Simply remember "right over left, left over right."

To untie this knot, grab the loose ends of the rope and push toward the knot. This will loosen the knot so that it may now be untied.