The Tumble Hitch

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+2s dance Poussette
9-16 1s dance down below 2s nearer hands joined, cast up back to place; 1s ½ turn RH, pull back RSh and dance out to partner's place. (1) 2
17-24 1s+2s dance Circulating Slip Knot:
 17-18 1s+2s turn RH into allemande hold, 1s face up, 2s face down
 19-20 All dance ¼ way round clockwise
 21-24 Men pass partners in front giving LH and all continue ½ LH turn to sides. (1) 2
25-32 1s+2s set and link; 1s dance ½ Fig of 8 up round 2s. 2 1

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

The Tumble Hitch - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

It is designed so that the rope can be released rapidly by pulling the free end, allowing the entire rope to come away cleanly without remaining wrapped around the object.

The knot is tied using a series of loops, known as bights, rather than threading the full end of the rope through the knot. This allows it to be tied "in the bight", which can be useful when the rope ends are not easily accessible. Additional locking turns may be added to increase stability and reduce the chance of accidental release.

The tumble hitch is related to the highwayman's hitch, another quick-release knot, but was developed to improve stability under load. In the highwayman's hitch, tension can collapse the locking loop in some types of rope, potentially causing failure. The tumble hitch changes the structure of the locking arrangement so that the load is distributed more securely.

It is commonly described as suitable for temporary fastening where rapid release is important, including boating, camping and general utility use. Because the knot is intentionally designed for quick release, it is not normally recommended for situations involving heavy, critical or unpredictable loads.

Tumble Hitch For Quick Release

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