Plain knot

一つ結び hitotsu musubi

Tie 2 ends that come from the same side so both tails lie together, for a quick, firm join.

1. Lay B across D, both ends pointing the same way, then wrap B once round D: down behind it and back up over the front.
2. Bring B round the front of both ends and up.
3. Take B round the back and up through the loop it made.
4. Hold the knot and pull B and D to tighten it.
5. Done: one firm plain knot, both tails lying together on the same side.

How to undo it

Push the tails back into the knot to loosen it, then pull the loop open.

Mistakes

• If the tails point opposite ways you tied a square knot instead.
• Pulling it very tight in thin fabric makes it hard to undo; stop at firm.