Bowline

A completed bowline knot, tied in a single strand of blue rope. The rope enters from the left, enters the knot, and forms a four inch loop that extends out to the right. Two inches of working end extend into the loop. The knot is characterized by a “horseshoe” shape, with a strand of rope coming out of the knot, making a 180 degree turn around the standing part, and going back into the knot.

Sometimes called the king of knots, the bowline is an excellent knot that is used and trusted by many professions.

We never use it for bondage, although it is handy in civilian life.

When to use it

The bowline is an excellent choice any time you need a reliable loop at the end of a rope.

We find we only need such a thing in technical applications, where we prefer to use a high-performance technical bendb.

The bowline is somewhat prone to falling apart when shaken while unloaded.

Step by step

A single blue rope enters from the left. It has been twisted to make a small two inch loop, with the working end on top of the standing part. About twelve inches of working end remain after the loop.

1Make a small twist in the rope, with the standing part on the bottom.

The working end doubles back and goes through the small loop, passing under and then over the two sides of the small as it travels to the left. About four inches of the working end extend out of the small loop. The remainder of the working end forms a large four inch loop to the right of the small loop.

2Go up through the twist, passing under and then over the rope.

The rabbit comes out of its hole,

The working end passes under the standing part, going down and to the right.

3Cross behind the standing part.

goes around the tree,

The working end now goes back through the small loop, going in the opposite direction from the first time it went through the small loop. About two inches of working end extend into the large loop.

4Go down through the twist, going over the standing part, over the first part of the twist, and under the second part.

and goes back down its hole.

A completed bowline knot, tied in a single strand of blue rope. The rope enters from the left, enters the knot, and forms a four inch loop that extends out to the right. Two inches of working end extend into the loop. The knot is characterized by a “horseshoe” shape, with a strand of rope coming out of the knot, making a 180 degree turn around the standing part, and going back into the knot.

5Snug the knot by pulling on the standing part with one hand and both parts of the loop and the working end with the other hand.

Notes for nerds

References and naming

This knot is ABOK # 1010

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