The half-hitch knot: a rational alternative to the square knot.

The half-hitch knot, an alternative to the square knot for tying a suture, has been presented. A square knot is satisfactory, but because of its configuration it is difficult to tie, and in actual practice it is seldom used. Instead, a series of half hitches is tied. A half-hitch knot is as secure as a square knot and much easier to tie. However, it too must be tied in proper configuration to be reliable. The technique for tying a half-hitch knot and some of its characteristics are described.