I've been tying a palomar knot a lot recently, but I've heard that people often "cross the lines" when tying it, which reduces the strength of the knot a lot. What does "crossing the lines" mean? I want to make sure I get good knot strength because there are a lot of bass in the 3 - 7 pound range in the pond I fish. I'd hate to break one of those off.  

When you tighten the knot down and the lines going around the hook eye look like X instead of ll.  This happens when you make the overhand portion and the lines twist

If you look in the Rods, Reels, Line, Knots forum there is a thread Palomar Knots are you tieing it right with lots of good info, page 3.

Tom

Let me add the science or the issue behind it.

 

Imagine crossed lines as being "intersections" with somewhat minimal line-to-line contact. Contrast this to two lines lying side-by-side along their lengths where there is closer to maximum contact between the two lines.

 

Since knots and wraps rely on friction to hold, the more line-to-line contact the better.

 

For a description, take two 12" wood dowel rods of the same size and rub them together as if you are trying to start a fire. Contrast the effort it takes to slide one over the other with holding them parallel and touching along their entire lengths . . . and note the greater effort to slide them. 

 

Hope this helps. Clean, accurate knots simply have more friction.

 

Brad

Instead of the two lines running parallel to each other one has "crossed" over the other. The line on top will cut the line below it.

2 hours ago, WRB said:

If you look in the Rods, Reels, Line, Knots forum there is a thread Palomar Knots are you tieing it right with lots of good info, page 3.

Tom

Thanks. Just tied a spinnerbait on with the palomar. Went out and caught my PB.