The square lashing is a basic lashing used to join 2 poles together using rope. It can be used in many situations and is most commonly used in almost perfect cross joints.

It's practical use is when they are used in combination with many lashings, with which they can be used to build structures such as towers or bridges.

Follow these steps to tie the perfect Square Lashing:

What you need: Get a rope that is long enough (usually 5 meter ropes work well with spars) 2 spars or poles
	Step 1: Tie a clove hitch onto the pole. If the lashing will be used to tie to a pole that will have one part that is upright, tie the lashing to the horizontal. Click here to learn how to tie a clove hitch.
	Step 2: Bring the 2nd pole (upright) in. Follow the arrows and wrap around the 2 poles, going over the 2nd pole and below the original pole.
	Step 3: Continue until you have done 3 complete rounds (You may use more or less rounds, depending on the size of the rope and pole). It is better to place the top wrappings 'inside' and the bottom wrappings 'outside'. What this means is that every time you go around the 2nd pole, make sure the rope is inside the previous wraps and when on the original pole, make sure the rope is on the outside. This technique will allow the lashing to push against itself and make the lashing tighter.
	Step 4: Once you have done that, do the frapping. The frapping helps to further secure the lashing. You can do this by reversing the rope and wrapping it around the lashing, staying in the middle of the 2 poles. The number of rounds you should do depends on the thickness of the rope and pole. A rule of thumb is to frap 3 rounds.
	Step 5: Once you have done that, proceed to tie a clove hitch on the 2nd pole at it's bottom. The reason for ending at the bottom is because you will end up wrapping the excess rope around the pole below the lashing. This wrapping will create fiction between the rope and the pole and provide stability in supporting the horizontal, reducing it's likelihood of slipping.
	Step 6: Wrap the excess rope around the pole and end with another clove hitch.
	Step 7: A completed square lashing.

Tips:

• Practice being neat. It will most likely ensure a tighter lashing and your lashing will be more aesthetically pleasing.
• Hold tension. This is the application of force usually using your thumb on the rope against the pole. Doing this properly will ensure a tight lashing. It is wise to partner with a buddy so that tension can be held better.
• Use your leg and body weight to tighten lashing. Instead of pulling like mad, simply step on the excess rope to tighten.
• Make sure your lashing is as close as possible to the center. You should do this each round you go to ensure a tighter lashing.
• Shove a branch or an object in between the poles to tighten. It wont look pretty, but it will work.
• Do not use excessive long rope or rope joined together. This will result in difficulty tying the lashing or a lashing