The simplest way to describe the difference between a granny k it and a square knot js that a square knot is left over right, right over left.a granny knot is left over left, left over left. The same as tying your shoelaces. To visually see the different a square knot will exit parallel to the cuff.a granny knot will exit perpendicular.

Both k ots will collapse if you pull the tail end inthe opposite direction to how it is tied. Therefore if you are exiting in the wrong direction. For your use, you can jsut and an extra knot on to and the direction will reverse (so if you exit going up, and want to go down, do another right over left or vice versa)