...
Home Tattoos 101 Best Rope Tattoo Ideas You Have to See to Believe!

101 Best Rope Tattoo Ideas You Have to See to Believe!

by Jamie Wilson
Rope Tattoos

Here are some brilliant rope tattoos including knots, sailor rope tattoos and much more that you should check out before getting a tattoo.

Rope Tattoo
@tattoosnob via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Having a rope tattoo or knot tattoos inked can mean a different number of things for different people.

Usually, many decide to get the traditional one, of course. But a lot choose to divert this idea into interesting twists to create new rope design with different knots, neat tattoo designs, anchor and rope tattoo, single strand tattoos to even two different ropes intertwined.

Rope tattoo meaning ranges from a sense of security to gloomy exploitation or evil. However, they are frequently used in the Navy to create a strong bond between sailors. On a positive note, a rope tattoo does manage to create a sense of forever loyalty the sailors or any average person holds through a strong knot inked on their skin. The sailor tattoos also hint at everyday sailor life: a bond to one’s work at sea while being free at the open sea at the same time. Other elements in rope tattoos also include the significance of staying together. Below are some rope tattoo designs and ideas for you to have a look at.

The Traditional Rope Tattoo

The Traditional Rope Tattoo
@jun_hyuck_traditional via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This traditional and coloured rope tattoo calls for a middle ground between intense symbolism of eternity through the knots, with one particular knot in the middle rope tied to make a loop. This rope tattoo design is inked in a way to feel that it shoots out from the skins and even the side is cut to take the rope out. Pretty bold, if you ask! The perfect gradient shading of brown and black to give the ropes a rustic feel is impeccable; which makes the rope tattoo not just hang from thin air. Just what one would need to make a long-lasting impression through a rope tattoo design.

The Custom knot Rope Tattoo

The Custom knot Rope Tattoo
@crimclay via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This rope knot tattoo features a black and white coloured knot, for the most part, customised. Like a sheet bend knot or tying knots, rope designs can be moulded into different knots to create new knot designs; similar to how any boy scouts or boat sailors would be expected to identify knots or make their own knots with two different ropes. This rope tattoo on the arm calls for a minimalistic approach to eternity, and on the other hand, gives out a sense of bonding together. An important second nature of this rope knot tattoo is the bunch of thread break out in strands that signifies holding things but also letting go. These tattoos and surely stand different to the other ones. Due to its size, it can easily be inked on the chest, arm, wrist, leg or even ankle or thighs. A new idea would be to try this rope tattoo out on your collarbones.

The Infinity Knot Wrist Rope Tattoo

The Infinity Knot Wrist Rope Tattoo
@coachq_tattoos via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Another beauty in the era of knot tattoos: we have here the cool infinity knot wrist rope knot tattoo; inked on the wrist with black. This rope knot tattoo is also ideal for the arm or leg. Another great feature of this tattoo is the fact that it is not at all tight or the noose is not pulled taut. Instead, it is wrapped around lightly with the thread bound to slip if things stay turbulent at sea, perhaps. It can be inked in the entire circumference of the wrist like a cool band. The wrist tattoos meaning differs for different people: maybe a symbol of holding things together on the arm or wrist.

The Heart Tie-Up Rope Tattoo

The Heart Tie-Up Rope Tattoo
@mordette_art_tattoos via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This rope knot tattoo presents a right mix of gothic and platonic. The main thread and its loose strands stand to tie a heart-shaped rope knot around the wrist, arm or leg, but the shading and placement of the infinity loop ropes knot say otherwise. The infinity noose is wrapped around lightly within the heart-shaped rope tattoo with intensely deep shades of black ink to give the ropes a 3D feel. This rope tattoo would also be suited to be inked in different colors: different things for different strands that surround the knot.

The Dark Death-Themed Rope Tattoo

The Dark Death-Themed Rope Tattoo
@anuntat2 via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This rope tattoo, unlike the previous ones, is bigger in size and can be inked on the leg or thighs. This tattoo, nevertheless, presents a dark story: it is likely a rope knot called a noose meant to hang criminals, thickened together with a rope as many twists as is possible. It can also be a great piece to share in solidarity with suicidal victims. With deep, crude black gradient shading and loose strands coming out like thorns or needles, this rope tattoo does speak for itself. And we would recommend getting this rope tattoo itself if dark is your theme.

The Louis Rope Tattoo!

The Louis Rope Tattoo!
@nouisftdemi via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Yes, you read that right! English singer-songwriter Louis Tomlinson has a rope tattoo in his collection, and here it is for you fans. The entire tattoo runs around his wrist like a band but can also be read as two distinct ones. Both of them are in black and white; the first rope tattoo is the classic and traditional infinity loop rope tattoo. The next tattoo is unique, in the sense it combines a rope torn from the mid and two quotation marks above it. The quotation tattoo is often shown to be symbolising the power of a story to travel around the world, or to speak without words. Combined with this, the breakage shows an untimely lapse. Not our business to force you, but get it right now! Make sure to consult the images to the artist before the inking begins.

The Sailors Rope And Anchor Tattoo

The Sailors Rope And Anchor Tattoo
@wecanberainbows.bink via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

The archetypal sailor’s anchor with rope tattoo is back, and how! This beauty can be inked on the wrist or the thighs and features a boat-holder anchor pointing downwards. with a small rope knot holding it tight. The rope in the tattoo makes the word “S”, which shows an anchor tattoo meaning sailors, sea, sand and a lot of other important Navy stuff around the world. Such kinds of anchor tattoo men in the Navy are interested in inking are usually also multicoloured for decorative purposes. With fine ink lines work well making the anchor look wooden and the rope twisted, this anchor with rope tattoo is surely an eye-catcher.

The Circular Rope Knot Tattoo

The Circular Rope Knot Tattoo
@gentlestabs via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This rope tattoo is our personal favourite recommendation! A simple, minimalistic rope tattoo inked on the arm. This rope tattoo, due to its size, can be inked anywhere in the wrist, arm, leg, collarbones or ankles. A lot of us choose to ink minimal on our bodies that would speak the most. This rope tattoo is yet again a loop; with no extra decorations, no knot, no inkwork or shading. Interestingly, there are no loose strands or thorn-like strands coming out of the single rope. Minimalist and yet the true symbol for eternity, this rope tattoo is perfect for a meaningful inking.

The Loose Stranded Rope Tattoo

The Loose Stranded Rope Tattoo
@blackliner.ink via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

A typically zoomed-in version of a single, stranded rope: this rope tattoo detailing is at its level best. Inked with black and smooth outlines, this tattoo looks like a section of the rope that is about to be opened. However, the delicate touch to the tattoo with neat, graceful and curved knots and strands unlike crude needle-thin ones and smoothness of a single rope in ink is highly commendable. So much so, this grace looks like braided hair! This rope tattoo has all our votes.

The Danger And Evil Rope Tattoo

The Danger And Evil Rope Tattoo
@allpersonsart via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

The last one, and definitely not the least, you are up for a big surprise, literally! This dangerously bold rope tattoo symbolises evil and danger all correctly, and how. Due to its massive size, this can be inked on the entire back area of the body or the entirety of the thighs. The three skeleton heads have their eyes, ears and mouth covered by the death noose- signifying see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil respectively. We recommend inking this one in different colours to make a bigger impression and attract the attention this rope tattoo deserves. The knot on the top of the ropes is taut and made by twisting a bunch in hand. This rope tattoo is an absolute shoutout for any danger-themed party!

With such innovative and particularly different knots in the tattoos and many rope tattoo designs with a mix of positive as well as a sombre fashion statement, these are surely all attention grabbers. One great thing about rope tattoos, anchor tattoos as well as other such tattoo designs is their ability to be bent into customised inkings and the myriad symbolism they provide a countless times. You would love these interesting ropes and knots when inked into tattoos, we promise with no “rope” attached!

Feature Image from Pinterest – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

What is a rope tattoo?

A rope tattoo is a type of body art featuring a design that includes the image of a rope. This style of tattoo often has nautical symbolism associated with it, due to its common use in maritime activities such as fishing and sailing. The design can also be interpreted symbolically, representing strength and stability. Rope tattoos are generally either single-strand or multiple-strand designs, with the size and complexity of the design varying depending on the wearer’s preference. Some rope tattoos feature realistic images, while others are highly stylized or abstracted versions of the original design. Regardless, they all share a common theme: strength and stability through adversity. Whether you’re looking for something meaningful or just want to add a bit of nautical flair, rope tattoos are an excellent choice.

How much does a rope tattoo cost?

The cost of a rope tattoo will depend on the complexity of the design, as well as the size and placement of the tattoo. Generally speaking, small simple designs can range in price from $50-$150 USD, while larger or more complex designs can cost up to several hundred dollars. It is important to remember that your artist’s skill level and experience will also affect the cost, so be sure to do your research and ask questions before committing to a design. Additionally, some artists may charge an hourly rate, which can add up quickly if you’re opting for a large or elaborate tattoo.

What are some common designs for rope tattoos?

Rope tattoos can take on a variety of forms, from realistic and detailed renditions of the object to abstract designs featuring lines and curves. Some common designs include knots or interwoven strands of rope, anchor-themed images, sailing ships, or even simple outlines or representations of a single strand. Additionally, many people choose to add additional symbols or elements to their rope tattoos, such as anchors, sea creatures, compasses, stars, and other meaningful imagery. As with any type of tattoo, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to design; the possibilities are limited only by your imagination!

You may also like