Tied Through Time: A Brief History of Knots and the Legacy of Ashley’s Book

Knots have been around longer than writing. They’ve secured sails, hauled game, healed wounds, and even told stories. For something so simple—a piece of cord twisted and tightened—the knot carries centuries of utility, culture, and craft.

Knots in the Ancient World
The earliest known knots show up in prehistoric fishing tools. Ancient Egyptians used knots to lash ships together and bind building materials. In China, decorative knots were symbols of luck and longevity. Across the globe, knots developed out of necessity—and stuck around because they worked.

The Sailor’s Domain

Knots really hit their stride during the age of sail. Sailors depended on them for everything—rigging, repairs, safety, survival. Knot-tying became a core skill onboard, with hundreds of variations tailored to specific tasks.

The Ashley Book of Knots

Clifford Ashley was a sailor, painter, and writer who spent years collecting and documenting knots. In 1944, he published The Ashley Book of Knots, an epic work with over 3,800 entries and thousands of detailed illustrations.

The International Guild of Knot Tyers

In 1982, a group of enthusiasts founded the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT), a global organization dedicated to the study and practice of knots.

The Modern Knot

Knots are everywhere—on climbing walls, in surgical suites, at rescue scenes, and in art studios. TikTok macramé tutorials reach millions. Rope access technicians dangle from skyscrapers using century-old knots.

Why It Still Matters

Knots are quiet tools with loud stories—and thanks to Ashley and the IGKT, those stories are still being told.