How To Draw A Noose

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The noose knot is typically used to wrangle animals, set traps, or bundle materials together. It's a fairly easy knot to tie, so it's a great option if you need to tie something off fast.^[1] Do not tie a knot around your neck in any circumstances, even if it's a joke.

If you're considering tying a noose because you're having suicidal thoughts and need immediate help coping, please call emergency services such as 911 or 999 or a suicide hotline:

In the United States: call 1-800-273-TALK, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline^[2]
In the United Kingdom: call 116 123, the Samaritans helpline^[3] or 0800 068 41 41, the HOPELineUK
The International Association for Suicide Prevention has a directory of international suicide prevention hotlines here, and so does Befrienders Worldwide here.

1
Create a loop with the working end on top. The working end of the rope refers to the end that you're actually using to tie the knot. Everything leading up to the tip of the rope is the standing end. To start the noose knot, wrap the working end over the standing end to form a 4–6 in (10–15 cm) loop.^[4]
- This will work with rope, twine, string, or fishing line. The process is the same regardless of the material you're using.
2
Slide the standing part of the rope over center of the loop. Pinch the joint where the working end meets the standing end to keep it from unraveling. Then, curl a portion of the standing end on top of the loop you've already made so it rests in the center of the opening.^[5]
- The size of the first loop and the second loop should be roughly identical.
- This should look a little like bit like a pretzel.
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3

Pull the standing part through the center of the loop. Reach under the first loop you made and grab the standing part that's resting on top. Keep the joint pinched with your nondominant hand and pull the standing end away from the loop.^[6]

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1
Slide the standing part down to form the bight. Continue pulling the standing part down through the loop to create your bight, which is knot's opening. This bight is what you'll wrap around whatever object you're tying off with the noose. As you pull it through, the two loops will get smaller as they tighten.^[7]
- The further you pull the bight away from the knot, the bigger it will be once you finish tightening it.
2

Slide the tightened loops down to make the bight smaller if you'd like. Like the slip knot, the noose knot will tighten as you pull on the bight. Before you tighten the knot all the way, you can make the bight smaller by gently sliding the loops you've tightened.^[8]
3
Tug the bight and working end away from one another to finish. To tighten the knot all the way, hold the bight in one hand and the tip of the working end that's sticking out from the knot in the other hand. Pull both portions away from one another to completely tighten the knot. Once the knot is secure, you're done!^[9]
- You can undo the knot just by loosening up the main knot that's holding the bight together.
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Question

Is it illegal to make a noose?

This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It's not illegal to tie a noose. However, in some areas, such as certain states in the U.S., it's illegal to display a noose in an intimidating way. Using a noose to threaten someone may be considered a hate crime or act of terrorism.
Question

What are some uses for a noose knot?

This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

While the noose is most famous as an old-fashioned executioner's tool, it also has other uses. A small noose or hangman's knot can be useful for securing a hook to a fishing line. It can also be used as an animal snare or in knitting as the first knot for casting on.

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Use of a noose in the hanging of effigies and/or animals (dolls resembling humans or living people, especially those currently in political positions or current controversies) may be charged as a crime in some countries, and can be considered a threat by some police forces.^[10]
In some countries, a noose is seen as a lethal weapon and you may be arrested for having one in your possession.
If you're having suicidal thoughts, stop and get help. If you need immediate help coping, please call emergency services such as 911 or 999 or a suicide hotline:
- In the United States: call 1-800-273-TALK, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline^[11]
- In the United Kingdom: call 116 123, the Samaritans helpline^[12] or 0800 068 41 41, the HOPELineUK
- In Australia, call 13 11 14. The suicide call back service is 1300 659 467^[13]
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention has a directory of international suicide prevention hotlines here, and so does Befrienders Worldwide here.
- How to Cope With Suicidal Thoughts has some advice for moments of crisis.

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