The taut-line hitch is tied on a line that is tight, or taut. Use it to tighten or loosen a tent guyline by pushing the hitch up or down. Here's how: Pass the line around a tent stake. Bring the end under and over the standing part and twice through the loop you have formed. Again bring the rope end under, over, and through a loop, but this time farther up the standing part. Work any slack out of the knot, then slide the hitch to adjust the tension on the line.