How to Tie the Picket Line Hitch
The Picket Line Hitch
The Picket Line Hitch is a practical hitch used to attach a rope to a long line such as a rail, cable, or picket line while still allowing the connection point to be adjusted. It is commonly used in camping, ranching, military field setups, and outdoor work where multiple items need to be hung or secured along a single horizontal rope. Because it can be slid into position when unloaded but holds under tension, it is especially useful for organizing loads along a line.
Other Names: Groundline Hitch, Millers Knot, Sack Knot, Bag Knot
Picket Line Hitch Instructions
The Picket Line Hitch is listed in The Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK #154) and is recognized as a classic adjustable hitch for distributing attachments along a rope. Its structure forms a wrap around the standing line with a locking turn that grips when loaded but can be repositioned when slack. This allows multiple hitches to be spaced along a single line without interfering with one another, making it efficient for managing several tie points on one support rope.
The Picket Line Hitch is also very widely known as the Ground Line Hitch.
Alternative hitches performing similar functions to that of the Picket-Line Hitch may include the Rolling Hitch or Bale Sling Hitch (not binding but easily adjustable).
Key Considerations
Proper dressing of the Picket Line Hitch is important to ensure the wraps are neat and the locking turn is correctly seated. The hitch should be snug but still able to slide along the main line when unloaded. Consistent tension and clean arrangement help the knot grip reliably when weight is applied while still allowing repositioning when needed.
Advantages & Disadvantages
One of the key advantages of the Picket Line Hitch is its ability to create multiple adjustable attachment points along a single rope without requiring hardware. It is quick to tie, easy to adjust, and holds securely once loaded. These qualities have made it a long-standing favourite for temporary rigging, campsite organization, and traditional field setups where flexibility and efficiency are important.
ABOK #1676 - Picket Line Hitch
ABOK Numbers: Abok #154, Abok #277, Abok #278, Abok #390, Abok #1243, Abok #1676, Abok #1680
It seems like many hitch knots have various entries in Ashley’s Book of Knots, and the Ground-line or Picket-line hitch, whatever you prefer to name it, is not excluded. With seven entries (maybe more, especially if you include variations), the Picket-line Hitch has an abundance of information. Each entry is slightly different depending on the context. You can read more for yourself and view the images in the actual book. The exact entries are as follows:
Abok #154,
‘The PICKET-LINE HITCH is used in tying up artillery horses. It was shown to me by J. Lawrence Houghteling, who learned it while in the service at the Mexican border.’
Abok #277,
‘The GROUND LINE HITCH is the knot with which the gangings are secured to the trawl. A very short end is gripped under the left thumb, and the knot is tied with the loop end.’
Abok #278,
‘The same knot may be tied with the end while the loop hangs down at its fixed length. These are the two standard ways of securing the GANGING. It may be noted that this knot is closely related to #273 from Polperro and that it is identical with the PICKET-LINE HITCH (1676), although reversed.’
Abok #390,
‘The MILLER’S KNOT (same as the SACK KNOT #1243). The names of these three knots are interchangeable. Many millers use round turn with the ends reef knotted or else secured with a DRAWKNOT or HALF BOWKNOT. Some employ a CLOVE HITCH, slipped, which is the least practical. Additional BAG KNOTS are given in Chapters 16 & 27. The CONSTRICTOR KNOT (#1249) is the securest of all; but it is not easily untied unless a SLIP LOOP is added.’
Abok #1243,
‘The SACK KNOT is of the same formation as the FISHERMAN’S GROUND LINE HITCH, and also the ARTILLERYMAN’S PICKET-LINE НITCH. Moreover it is the start of the THREE-LEAD, FOUR-BIGHT TURK’S-HEAD. Added to these uses, it serves very well around the neck of a sack.’
Abok #1676,
‘The PICKET-LINE HITCH is a practical SNUG HITCH that does not slip when properly drawn up. It was shown to me by J. Lawrence Houghteling, who learned it while in service with the artillery. It does not appear to be a regulation army knot. It should be noted that this knot is the start for a 3L X 4B TURK’S-HEAD. The same formation, reversed, is used by fishermen on their trawl and is shown, at the bottom of this page, as the GROUND LINE HITCH.’
Abok #1680,
‘The GROUND LINE HITCH is the standard knot of the cod fishermen. It is used in affixing ganging lines to the ground line of CODFISH TRAWL #277. A short bight near the end is held with the left thumb against the heavier ground line, and two tight turns are taken to the right with the end, and the end is then stuck through the bight that has been held by the left thumb. The standing part is then pulled snug. Tied in this way, very little end is wasted. The gangings are fixed to the ground line at frequent intervals and the loose ends of the gangings, before they are secured to the ground line, are fitted with loops to which, at the proper time, hooks are attached by means of RING HITCHES (#311).’
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, knot strength, security, and suitability can vary depending on rope type, condition, load, environmental factors, and how the knot is tied. Users are responsible for inspecting their equipment and verifying that a knot is appropriate for their intended use. Do not rely solely on the information provided here for activities involving personal safety, life support, climbing, rescue operations, heavy lifting, or other high-risk applications.
SCB Media Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the knots and techniques described. Always seek professional instruction and follow applicable safety standards where appropriate.