Double Uni Knot

Tying procedure — Double Uni Knot

1. Step 01 / 5

   Lay the ends of the two lines side by side, tags pointing in opposite directions, so they overlap by at least 15 cm (6 in).

   You should now see: Two lines lying parallel along the overlap, each tag reaching past the other line's end of the overlap with length to spare.

   If it goes wrong: Too short an overlap. It shows during the second uni, when the tag runs out before the turns are finished.

   Fix: Separate the lines and lay them out again with more overlap before tying anything.

   Why: Each tag has to make a complete uni knot around the other line, so the overlap supplies the working length for two knots.

   1First line's tag end

   2Second line's tag end

   Step 1 of 5 · move 1 of 1

   Lay the two line ends side by side, overlapping, tags pointing opposite ways

   Hold: Left hand holds both lines where they overlap. Move: Right hand lays the second line's end along the first.

   You should now see: Two lines lying parallel along the overlap, each tag reaching past the other line's end of the overlap with length to spare.

2. Step 02 / 5

   Double one tag back into a loop over both lines, wrap it around both lines and through the loop 5 or 6 times, or 6 to 8 times for braid, then pull that tag to close the turns.

   You should now see: One closed barrel of even turns on the overlap, still able to slide along the other line when pushed.

   If it goes wrong: Turns crossing each other or going around only one line, seen as a lumpy barrel. It happens most with slick braid when the loop twists during wrapping.

   Fix: Unwind the tag to the loop and wrap again with the loop held flat, keeping each turn beside the last and around both lines.

   Why: Braid is slippery and needs more turns to grip than mono. For a braid-to-mono join NetKnots gives 6 to 8 turns with the braid and 5 or more with the mono.

   1Five turns round both lines

   Step 2 of 5 · move 1 of 2

   Double the first tag back into a loop and wrap both lines five times through it

   Hold: Left hand pinches both lines and the loop together. Move: Right hand takes the tag round both lines and through the loop, five times.

3. Step 2 of 5 · move 2 of 2

   Pull that tag to close the turns into a barrel

   Hold: Left hand holds both lines behind the turns. Move: Right hand pulls the first tag until the turns close up.

   You should now see: One closed barrel of even turns on the overlap, still able to slide along the other line when pushed.

4. Step 03 / 5

   With the other tag, tie a second uni the same way facing the opposite direction: loop, wrap around both lines and through the loop, then pull its tag to close the turns.

   You should now see: Two closed barrels on the overlap, mirror images of each other, with a stretch of line still between them.

   If it goes wrong: Giving this uni fewer turns than it needs. On a braid-to-mono join, the side with too few turns is the side that slips when loaded.

   Fix: If the count is short, open this second barrel and wrap it again with the full count before sliding anything.

   Why: Each uni is a noose on its own line that closes around the other line. The join holds only as well as the weaker of the two, so the slicker or thinner line needs its full count.

   1First barrel

   2Second barrel

   Step 3 of 5 · move 1 of 1

   Tie a second uni with the other tag, facing the opposite way

   Hold: Left hand holds the first barrel still. Move: Right hand loops the second tag, wraps both lines five times through it and pulls it closed.

   You should now see: Two closed barrels on the overlap, mirror images of each other, with a stretch of line still between them.

5. Step 04 / 5

   Wet both knots and slowly pull the two standing lines in opposite directions until the barrels slide together and press firmly against each other.

   You should now see: The two barrels touching end to end with no gap, and both standing lines leaving the join in a straight line.

   If it goes wrong: Stopping while a gap remains between the barrels, or pulling a tag instead of a standing line. The join bends at the gap and the lines leave it at an angle.

   Fix: Wet the join and keep pulling the standing lines apart until the barrels meet. If a barrel has opened up, cut the join out and tie it again.

   Why: Fishtrack stresses snugging the two knots tightly against each other. Butted barrels support each other under load, while a gap leaves a spot where the join can fold.

   Step 4 of 5 · move 1 of 1

   Wet both knots and pull the two standing lines until the barrels meet

   Hold: Left hand pulls the first standing line. Move: Right hand pulls the second standing line the other way, slowly.

   You should now see: The two barrels touching end to end with no gap, and both standing lines leaving the join in a straight line.

6. Step 05 / 5

   Give the join a firm test pull on both standing lines, then trim both tags close to their barrels, leaving a short stub on each.

   You should now see: A compact join with two short tag stubs, and barrels that stayed pressed together through the test pull.

   If it goes wrong: Trimming before the test pull, or cutting so flush that a tag slips back inside its barrel as the knot settles.

   Fix: If a tag has pulled inside its barrel or the barrels moved apart on the test pull, cut the join out and tie it again.

   Why: A short stub gives the tag room to draw in slightly as the barrels settle under load. A tag cut flush has no margin and can pull through.

   Step 5 of 5 · move 1 of 1

   Test the join with a firm pull, then trim both tags short

   Hold: Left hand holds one standing line. Move: Right hand pulls the other line firmly, then trims both tags close.

   You should now see: A compact join with two short tag stubs, and barrels that stayed pressed together through the test pull.