Cross constrictor knot

Cross constrictor knot
Left: Thighthened Cross constrictor knot, top and bottom view
Names	Cross constrictor knot, Double constrictor knot with crossing bridges
Category	Binding
Related	Clove hitch, transom knot, strangle knot, miller's knot, boa knot, constrictor knot

Cross constrictor knot is a variant of the constrictor knot. It has an additional riding turn that crosses the existing riding turn.

The cross constrictor knot may also be described as

The cross constrictor knot is similar to the double constrictor knot and has therefore similar characteristics. Any difference is because the two riding turns cross and therefore ride each other; this gives an additional jamming or locking effect.

The cross constrictor knot is also similar to the strangle knot and is therefore similar in characteristics to that one too. Any difference is because it has an additional riding turn that crosses the existing riding turn, and that the ends come out not from the side but from in between turns; this gives additional jamming or locking effect.

The cross constrictor knot is harder to tighten, harder to untie, more stable, builds more knot height than the double constrictor knot, more knot width than either constrictor knot or the strangle knot due to 3 turns rather than 2.

Depending on whether the end of the object to be tied is available or not, one of the two tying instructions illustrated below may be used.

Step 1 of tying Cross constrictor knot: simple knot

Step 2 of tying Cross constrictor knot: simple knot, sides pulled to form 3 loops

Step 3 of tying Cross constrictor knot: simple knot side loop folded over the middle loop

Step 4 of tying Cross constrictor knot: the far side loop folded over the simple knot

Final step of tying Cross constrictor knot: object thru the 3 loops

A : turn around object at right side then at left side forming a figure-eight just like on a cleat

B : Complete the Figure-eight lashing

C : Complete the overhand knot with the main line under both riding turns, entering from left

D : Dress

E : Tighten

Variations involve starting with an underhand knot instead of an overhand knot, and passing the middle of one side over the other side rather than under. There are effectively only two variations starting with a simple knot (overhand or underhand); The difference is in the direction of the topmost riding turn: