Previous research concerning tier handedness, experience and the configuration of simple, habitual knots has been scant and conflicting. Survey data were collected from 21 disparate groups comprising 562 respondents in total. Regardless of experience, respondents tied both Granny and Reef Knots. Dextral tying was dominated by S knots. Left-handers tied Z knots more frequently than right-handers. However, the frequency of S and Z knots relative to tier hand dominance, which is not binary, occurred on a continuum. Averaging all survey tasks, more than 70% of knots tied by dextrals were S, whereas only 56% of those tied by sinistrals were S. These percentages varied somewhat according to specific tying tasks and the number of working ends. Furthermore, tiers' shoelace and parcel knots were not always identical, and a ranked pattern in parcel and shoelace knots was revealed. The examination of habitual knots could benefit criminal investigations.

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Knot data from 114 cases were tabulated. Some of the evidence had been lost, or was of such low quality that no knot identification or analysis could be made, thus highlighting the need for careful preservation at the scene. Only 3-6% of exhibit tiers produced sophisticated knots, and these individuals were consistent in the chirality of such formations as Bowlines and Sheet Bends. Most tiers produced simple, basic Half Knots, Half Hitches, Granny Knots, Reef Knots, Overhand Loops and Slip Loops. Tiers demonstrated repeatable tying patterns, weakly or strongly favouring one chiral enantiomer over the other. The S enantiomer occurred more frequently in the case evidence presented. Some tiers reversed the chirality of an initial or terminal knot in an otherwise consistent string of Half Hitches or Half Knots. Contextual clues provided by the types of knots -in addition to their capsizement, location and function -indicated whether one or two wends were employed in the tying. Ubiquitous tying materials were noted. These included items of utility and availability found at the scene, such as clothing and cable as well as rope and cord. The reported observations support previous research and can guide future analyses of knotted evidence.

Abstract:Most ligature cases feature everyday, innately-tied Overhand Knots, Half Hitches and Half Knots. These knots are the result of habitual behaviour and individual tiers demonstrate consistency, except when certain contextual factors come into play. This survey focussed on comparing the chiralities of basic knots to those of Figure A minority tied knots of opposite chirality. The knots tied by the remaining respondents varied, and the data suggested a potentially complex pattern which may be related to previous findings. Similar but less pronounced patterns were exhibited in the Half Hitch and Half Knot data. This information could be useful when analysing case evidence and making links to suspect samples, provided cautious attention is paid to context and knot function.