How to Tie a Lasso (Honda Knot)

Honda Knot

The honda knot, lariat loop or bowstring knot is the most common way of tying a lasso or lariat by cowboys. The nearly perfect round shape of the knot helps it to slide freely along the rope (especially if it’s a stiff rope) it is tied around, unlike the bowline knot. The loop formed by the easy and quick tying process described below is small and permanent. Lasso is the rope, usually stiff, tied in the sliding honda knot loop at one end that is extensively used in North America for catching cattle. Kids like to play with it just for fun. Being originally used by the Mexican and American cowboys, its name may have been derived from the Spanish word “honda” meaning sling.

How to Tie a Honda Knot

For games, you would need a 30 feet long rope for adults and less than that for children. For cattle, though, there is no specified length. You would need enough rope to make the knot and encompass an animal.

How to Tie a Lasso (Honda Knot)

Tips

1. Note that overhand knots are formed in steps 1 and 2.
2. The working end of the knot that is fed through the overhand knot in step 3 can be knotted as shown in step 2 or seized to prevent it from working loose.
3. A lariat is made in step 6 by passing the main rope back through the lariat loop.

Uses

1. For roping stock. It works by throwing the loop over an animal and tightening it up. It can be loosened later.
2. Making bracelets, chokers and necklaces with thinner cord, fabric strings and leather lariats.

How to Make a Lasso: Video

How to Tie a Honda Knot Step by Step

1. Pass the end through a rope loop
2. Repeat with the end of the rope
3. Tighten and pass the end through the first loop
4. Hold and pull to tighten
5. The first loop should shrink and tighten
6. Pass the long end through the remaining loop
7. The knot is completed