I know there has been a lot of discussion about what knot to use to attach tarps to trees, ridge lines, etc. but I have not seen much about what knot to use to actually attach the line to the tarp. I plan on leaving rope on the 4 corners at least, so I probably don't need quick release. What do you use? Also, do you have the knot snug with the tarp loops, or do you tie the knot and leave a loop?

Usually just a bowline, another good option is figure 8. Both will create a loop at the end.

Not the ridgeline, but the four corners, just a bowline that's not taut. The ridgeline, of course, is not attached except at the ends with dropper lines attached to the ridgeline with prussics.

Tying rope to tarp: Two half hitches (Secure and non-slip)

Tying tarp to tree: Taut line (Adjustable as needed without having to re-tie)

Clothes line: Two half hitches on one end, Taut Line (or Trucker's Hitch) on the other end.

boonie: "Not the ridgeline, but the four corners, just a bowline that's not taut. The ridgeline, of course, is not attached except at the ends with dropper lines attached to the ridgeline with prussics. "

Boonie nailed it. That's my setup too.

tarp to ridgline = prusik knot with a toggle or carabiner for me.

Tarp to stake line = attach to tarp with a bowline, use a taut line hitch for tension adjustment at stake.

I prefer the taught line to be tied to the tarp.

Jackfish: "Tying rope to tarp: Two half hitches (Secure and non-slip)

Tying tarp to tree: Taut line (Adjustable as needed without having to re-tie)

Clothes line: Two half hitches on one end, Taut Line (or Trucker's Hitch) on the other end."

This my method. I have tried other knots, but keep coming back to these.

Sentio: "

Jackfish: "Tying rope to tarp: Two half hitches (Secure and non-slip)

Tying tarp to tree: Taut line (Adjustable as needed without having to re-tie)

Clothes line: Two half hitches on one end, Taut Line (or Trucker's Hitch) on the other end."

This my method. I have tried other knots, but keep coming back to these."

+2 simple and effective.

2 half hitches, truckers hitch, siberian hitch, cawley hitch/adjustable grip hitch, Prusik, or a bowline take care of most of my knot needs. I tend to tie most with some sort of quick release. I use a sheet bend if I need to use more than one piece of rope.

It looks like most use the bowline or 2 half hitches. I can do both of those! Thanks

Sentio: "

Jackfish: "Tying rope to tarp: Two half hitches (Secure and non-slip)

Tying tarp to tree: Taut line (Adjustable as needed without having to re-tie)

Clothes line: Two half hitches on one end, Taut Line (or Trucker's Hitch) on the other end."

This my method. I have tried other knots, but keep coming back to these."

Pretty much same here.

To attach line to the tarp, I use Figure 9 carabiners or Dutchware Stingers. I do this because the biners pose less potential threat of damage to the loops on the tarp than a cord would and because this then allows me to adjust tension AT the tarp from under the tarp instead of having to adjust tension at the tree/anchor. I like this because if it is raining, I stay drier, and if I have to adjust multiple points, I don't have to walk as far to get to all of them.