How to Tie a Cleat Hitch Step by Step

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Written Instructions — Cleat Hitch

Lead to far horn Bring the line to the far horn of the cleat — the one furthest from the load direction. Wrap completely around it.
Figure-eight across Cross the line over the top of the cleat, under the near horn, back across and under the far horn. Repeat 1–2 times.
Form locking hitch For the final wrap, twist the line 180° to form a loop where the lower strand crosses over itself.
Drop loop over horn Drop the twisted loop over the near horn. Pull the load end to tension everything firm.

Never cleat a line with just figure-eights — always finish with the locking half hitch.
Always start at the FAR horn — this is the most common beginner mistake.
To release in an emergency, grab the loops and lift straight up off the cleat horns.
Three figure-eights is too many — two, plus the locking hitch, is standard. Extra turns make it harder to release.