These are the eight basic knots that all Scouts should be able to tie without even thinking twice.
Click any image for an animation of the knot.

Square (or Reef) Knot Used to bind a package or bundle. Click image for animation		Sheet Bend Used to join two ropes together, which may be of unequal thickness. Click image for animation
Bowline Used to make a non-slipping loop. Click image for animation		Clove Hitch Used to start a lashing, or otherwise loosely attach a rope to a pole. Click image for animation
Two Half Hitches Used to attach a rope to a pole or guy point. Must be securely tightened. NOTE: This is how scouts are taught the knot. An improved version includes an extra turn around the pole to add security, and is called a "Round Turn with Two Half-Hitches." Click image for animation		Sheep Shank Used to temporarily shorten a rope, or isolate a weak portion of rope. Click image for animation
Taut-Line Hitch Used as a hitch, which may be drawn up away from what it is looped around to tighten a line. Click image for animation		Timber Hitch Used to attach a rope to a log for dragging. Click image for animation