Abstract: An apparatus for use in the preparation of a knot in at least one length of material, wherein the apparatus includes a base portion, the base portion including; a) a loop former configured in use to form an open loop in the length of material; and; b) at least one restraining device configured to restrain the length of material on the loop former, and wherein the apparatus includes a twister configured to intercept and twist at least two portions of the length of material.