Bowline Knot Description

If ever there is a knot that almost instantly comes to mind when wanting to put a loop in the end of a line, then the bowline is probably the most common loop knot that comes to mind. The Bowline when tied is a relatively secure loop knot at the end of a rope, however, the bowline is not as secure as most people tend to think. Yes, the Bowline does hold well and it does not slip or bind. Often if a Bowline is used where the load is critical, then additional security should be added by using various types of tie offs. You may be interested int his post, How Many Bowlines are there, where there are also a couple of photos of tie offs being used. One flaw of the Bowline is that it cannot be tied or untied when there is a heavy load on the end of the line.

How to Tie the Bowline Knot

The bowline knot is an essential knot to know, as it is used to create a secure loop at the end of a rope. To tie the Bowline Knot, begin by forming a small loop with the rope and passing the working end of the rope through the loop. The working end should then be brought up and around the standing end, and around the loop again, passing underneath it. After passing the working end through the loop a second time, pull the knot tight. The bowline knot is now secure, forming a loop that will not slip or come undone. So that was as clear as mud, and that is why I have created the video that will demonstrate one of the way of tying the Bowline Knot.

How to Tie the Bowline Video Tutorial

The video below is a short and sweet video on how to tie the Bowline, there is also a playlist on @KnottingKnots called Bowline Knots, where not only are there different types of Bowlines, but also other ways of tying the standard Bowline Knot.

Disadvantages of the Bowline Knot

One of the biggest problem with a Bowline is that if it is not loaded, the bowline can fairly easily come undone. If you tie a bowline and then start to jiggle the rope, just watch how after not too long the knot does come undone. So yes, a very good general purpose end of line loop knot, but just be aware of it’s shortcomings.

Bowline Knot in Ashley’s Book of Knots

For those who have a copy of Ashley’s Book of Knots you will find the Bowline listed 1010 on page 186.