Opera Knot
A lark's head hitch finished with a quick-release bow. The standard knot for hanging theatrical drape — grips tighter under the weight of the fabric.
Know your materials
The opera knot attaches theatrical drape to a batten (pipe). You need: the drape with a sewn grommet or ring at the top edge, a tie line (¼″ cotton or manila rope, about 36" long), and the batten above.
Drape the tie line over the batten
Find the centre of the tie line. Pass it up and over the batten so both free ends hang down on the same side. The midpoint of the tie line now rests on top of the batten.
Thread both ends up through the gap
Take both free ends and feed them UP through the gap between the batten and the top of the drape (through the grommet hole if there is one). This forms a lark's head (cow hitch) around the batten.
Pull down to seat — drape weight helps
Pull both ends firmly downward. The lark's head tightens around the batten. As you add the weight of the drape, the knot actually grips harder — unlike a simple half-hitch, the lark's head cannot slip under the drape's weight.
Finish with a slipped bow — quick-release
Tie both free ends in a slipped reef knot (a standard bow). The bow gives you quick release — one pull on either loop and the knot drops cleanly. Leave at least 4" of tail beyond the bow.