659. Tying

Shabbos 10:1

If a person ties a knot that is meant to remain permanently and that can only be tied by skilled professionals, he is liable. This includes the kind of knots tied by camel drivers, by sailors, and by shoemakers when making shoes and sandals. If a person ties a knot that is meant to remain permanently but that does not require a skilled professional, he is not liable. A knot that is not meant to remain permanently and that does not require a skilled professional may be tied without hesitation.

Shabbos 10:2                                                   

Examples of a knot that is meant to remain permanently but that does not require a skilled professional include: if person's sandal strap broke and he tied it; if a rope broke and he tied it; if a person tied a rope to a bucket; if someone tied an animal’s bridle. In all of these cases, one would not be liable. This is true of all other knots that require no professional skill but that are tied with the intention that they should remain permanently. Even if a knot is not meant to remain permanently, one is nevertheless not permitted to tie it using a professional type of knot.