Systems and methods for approximating tissue using suture are described. The systems include at least one suture with a locking portion that is integral to the suture. The locking portion may be an expanded portion of the suture body. The locking portion may receive a plurality of snares that work to carry the at least one end of the suture through the locking portion. The systems may also include suture anchors and external locking mechanisms such as a tubular sheath. The systems may be used to approximate two soft tissue portions together, or a soft tissue and a bone portion together.