What is formed by reversing the direction of a rope to create a "U" bend with two parallel ends?

A bight is formed when you create a bend in a rope, which results in a "U" shape with two parallel ends. This bend does not result in any complete loops, but rather a simple fold or bend where the rope's direction is redirected. In the context of rope and knot terminology, a bight is specifically characterized by this formation, distinct from a loop where the ends would cross each other and connect back onto the rope itself. Understanding this distinction is crucial for tasks involving knot tying and rope management, as each term has specific implications for the type of structure you are creating with the rope.

The other terms refer to different configurations: a loop involves the ends of the rope being brought back together in a way that they continuously circle back, a splice is a method of joining two pieces of rope together, and a twist refers to a rotation of the rope which does not create the parallel structure that defines a bight.