Setup: All you need is a long thin rope and a pair of big scissors. There are no other props or gimmicks required for this version of the trick. It’s a foolproof method that works every single time.

When you fold the rope in half, make another separate loop that is closer to the end. This is the loop they will cut, not in the middle of the rope. In reality, the spectator is only cutting a very small section. Let go of the main long rope and carefully tie the free short section into a “sliding knot.” As you coil the rope into your hand, slide the small knot into your other hand. When you reach into your pocket for the magic glue…you’re actually hiding the tiny piece of rope. They will never see it. Finally, let the spectator slowly pull the “restored” rope from its coil. They can inspect and tug on it to make sure there’s no tape or magnets involved.

Pro Tips: After you tie the false knot with the short piece, ask your spectator to tug on both sides of the rope. This will really convince them it’s two separate pieces of rope tied together in a very strong knot. But of course, the knot is only tied around the original long rope. Many people will ask for you to do this trick again. Although technically you could without any setup…we suggest moving on to a different rope effect so they don’t notice anything the second time with the “sliding knot.”

Ready to learn more tricks like this? Here are some courses we’ve selected just for you: “Jawdroppers 80 Tricks,” “Close-Up 21” and “Quick Tricks.”