Definition of the Melacha

The melacha of tying knots is one of the 39 melachot prohibited on Shabbat. This melacha is defined as tying a permanent knot, meaning a knot that is meant to last a long time (over 24 hours).

Knots Forbidden by Torah Law – A permanent, professional knot, a strong knot designed to remain knotted for over a day.

Knots Forbidden by Rabbinic Law – The Sages also prohibited knots that are designed to last only a relatively long time even if they are not especially robust.

Double Knot is a term describing the making of an additional knot on top of an existing knot. In halacha, such a knot is considered stronger and more robust, and is therefore prohibited on Shabbat because it approaches the status of a permanent and professional knot.

Overhand Knot is a knot made in a single piece of string etc. (such as a knot made at the end of a string of beads to prevent them from slipping off), which is hard to untie and is usually intended to be left tied in the long-term. Tying such knots is prohibited on Shabbat.

Knots Permitted on Shabbat - A knot that is neither robust nor intended to last for an extended period (beyond 24 hours). This type of knot is called a bow knot, which is relatively loose and temporary, and can be easily untied. A bow knot is typically untied within 24 hours and is permitted. If, however, one intends to leave the bow knot tied for longer, it may not be made.

Examples of Actions Prohibited Due to the Melacha of Tying Knots

1. Tying shoelaces with a double knot if one will slip off the shoes instead of untying the knot. Such a knot may only be made in shoelaces if the laces will otherwise undo themselves, and one fully intends to undo the knot within 24 hours.

2. Tying plastic bags with a robust knot (such as a double knot or an overhand knot) which one intends to leave intact for over 24 hours (such as a knot in a freezer bag for storing food).

3. Tying ribbons around gifts, as one does not know when the recipient will undo the knot.

4. Tying wool threads for knitting garments with a permanent knot.

5. Tying knots in threads for sewing clothes or making repairs to clothing.

6. Tying threads in sewing work.

7. Tying ropes in fishing nets.

Examples of Knots Permitted on Shabbat

1. Tying shoelaces with a simple bow knot that can be easily untied.

2. Closing plastic bags using clips or clasps instead of tying a knot.

3. Closing ribbons around gifts with a loose single knot that can be easily untied.