Creating a loop at the end of a thread or line to form a loop knot is straightforward. These knots find great utility in fishing for attaching hooks to lines. Some commonly used loop knots include the Kreh loop knot, ideal for preventing line snagging, and the perfection loop knot, recognized for its simplicity and tightness. For beginners, the surgeon's loop knot is an excellent choice as it relies on familiar movements.
Steps
Utilizing a Kreh Loop Knot

Create an overhand knot. Fold the end of the thread back over itself, leaving approximately 4 inches (10 cm) of thread towards the line's end. Wrap it around the other side, then pull the end back towards you through the loop's center. Tighten until the loop is slightly smaller than a dime.
- This knot, also known as the non-slip knot, is secure and does not catch on weeds during fishing due to the tag end of the line facing downwards towards the hook.
Insert the hook if using one. For fishing, pass the string's end through the hook's eye. Draw the hook towards the previously made knot.
Guide the string back through the loop. Ensure the hook remains between the string's end and the loop. Thread the string's end back through the loop and upward towards the main part of the line.
- When threading, choose the side facing slightly downward towards the string's end.
Twist the string around itself. Progressing up the line, wrap the string's tail around the main section 3-5 times. Then, return the end downwards, slipping it through the loop again.
- This time, insert it through the side facing slightly upward towards the rest of the string.
Secure and refine the loop. Gently pull the line's end to tighten it, moisten the knot with water to prevent friction. Pull until the knot fully tightens, then trim the end, leaving less than 0.5 inches (1.3 cm).
- To refine the loop, pull the string's end to reduce its size. Pull the main line to enlarge the loop.
Creating a Perfection Loop Knot
Make a simple loop by passing the line behind itself. For easier looping, use a table. Lay the line out and bring the end up toward the main line. Pass it underneath the main line to create a loop.
- Leave sufficient room at the end of the line for another loop, around 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm).
Guide the end of the loop back over the top of the other loop. Lift the end of the line and pass it over the main line, including the top of the loop you just formed. Create a second loop by tucking the end beneath the main line. The second loop overlaps the top of the first loop, resembling scales.
- If adding a hook, thread it onto the second loop before passing the end of the line beneath the main line.
Direct the end of the line between the 2 loops created. Cross the end over the main line again, ensuring it passes between the edges of the other loops. The end should emerge on the opposite side.
- Exercise caution, especially if a hook is attached to the line.
Pull the second loop through the first loop. Insert your fingers through the first loop, grasp the edge of the second loop (including the hook), and pull it across to the other side through the large loop.
- The second loop now becomes the primary loop of the knot.
Secure the knot. Ensure the hook is properly positioned. Pull the end of the line and the loop end to form the knot. Continue pulling to tighten it, completing the process.
Creating a Surgeon's Loop Knot
Draw the end of the line back toward itself. Double the line to form this knot by pulling the end back toward the main line.
- If using a hook, attach it to the line now, positioning it at the bottom of the newly formed loop.
- Ensure there's at least 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) of line to tie the knot.
Fashion an overhand knot with the doubled line. Keep the doubled line parallel to itself. Loop the new 'end' (now a loop) over the line and around the opposite side. Thread the end through the circle you've created and out the other side. Gently tighten it.
Pass the 'end' back through the overhand knot once more. Take the looped end and wrap it around the rear of the overhand knot. Pull it through the overhand knot again. Firmly cinch the knot.
- The loop previously used as the 'end' of the line now becomes the primary loop.
Helpful Hints
Essentials
- String or thread
- Fishing hook, if desired
- Water, as needed