Tying knots is another basic skill that everyone should have. Its very practical knowledge but can also be useful in more critical situations. Most people, including myself, will tie arbitrary loops and knots and crosses until it feels secure or strong enough. Usually it's sufficient but it would be a lot better to simply know a handful of real knots that you can trust not to fall apart. I found a useful page that covers 7 basic knots that will get you through most situations. Watch the video, it will be a lot more helpful than my comments.
Square knot, or Reef knot - It's like the knot you start tying your shoe with only you double it up. Not a really strong knot, but good for basic non-load-bearing tasks.
Right over left, left over right.
Bowline knot - Really strong - good for actually tying the bowline of a boat to a dock.
Rabbit hole with a tree. The tree is the standing end of the rope. Rabbit comes up out of the hole, goes around the tree, then back down the hole.
Two half hitches knot - Anchoring - securing a rope to a pole/tree/stake.
Taut line knot - Allows you to shorten or lengthen a rope while anchoring.
Clove hitch knot - Not as strong- can still be used for anchoring. One benefit is that it can be made in the middle of a rope, no end necessary. Good to know for lashing things together.
Figure 8 knot - stopper knot - knot at the end of a rope to keep things on the rope. Basic knot for tying into a climbing harness.
Sheet bend knot - tie two ropes of unequal size together.
Courtesy of these fine blokes: Art of Manliness
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