Home / Knots / Bowline

Bowline

LoopBeginner
Also known as:Boland Knot
Bowline

Description

The bowline creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope that will not slip or jam under load. It is often called the king of knots for its reliability and ease of untying after heavy use. The classic mnemonic involves a rabbit coming out of a hole, going around a tree, and back down the hole.

Common Uses

Widely used in sailing, climbing, rescue, and construction for creating a secure, non-slip loop that is easy to untie after loading.

How to Tie

  1. 1Form a small loop in the standing part of the rope.
  2. 2Pass the working end up through the loop from underneath.
  3. 3Wrap the working end around the standing part behind the loop.
  4. 4Pass the working end back down through the original loop.
  5. 5Pull the standing end to tighten while holding the working end.
  6. 6Dress the knot so the loop and wraps are neat.
Bowline step 1Bowline step 2Bowline step 3Bowline step 4Bowline step 5Bowline step 6Bowline step 7Bowline step 8Bowline step 9Bowline step 10Bowline step 11Bowline step 12Bowline step 13Bowline step 14Bowline step 15Bowline step 16Bowline step 17Bowline step 18Bowline step 19Bowline step 20Bowline step 21Bowline step 22Bowline step 23Bowline step 24Bowline step 25Bowline step 26Bowline step 27Bowline step 28Bowline step 29Bowline step 30Bowline step 31Bowline step 32Bowline step 33Bowline step 34Bowline step 35Bowline step 36Bowline step 37Bowline step 38Bowline step 39Bowline step 40Bowline step 41Bowline step 42Bowline step 43Bowline step 44Bowline step 45Bowline step 46Bowline step 47Bowline step 48Bowline step 49Bowline step 50Bowline step 51