Crossing Turn

A crossing turn is a turn in the rope where one part crosses over another. It is the shape you get when a bight is twisted into the start of a loop.

This is a small distinction, but it matters when following knot instructions. A bight has no crossing; a crossing turn does. Many simple knots begin by making a crossing turn and then passing the working end, or a bight, through it.

Why it matters

Crossing turns determine the direction and structure of a knot. If the working end crosses over when the instruction expects it to cross under, the finished knot may sit differently or become a different knot.

When learning, lay the rope flat and pause after making the crossing turn. Check which part is on top before you tuck the working end through.

Common mistakes

• Treating any curved rope shape as a crossing turn.
• Losing track of whether the working end passes over or under the standing part.
• Tightening too early, before the crossing turn has been checked.

Practical check

If the rope simply bends back without crossing itself, call it a bight. If it crosses itself and forms an enclosed opening, you are looking at a loop or crossing turn.