The Bowline Knot
How to Tie It & When to Use It

The bowline knot - pronounced 'bo-lin' - is probably the best known and most frequently used knot for forming a loop in the end of a line, or to attach an object to the end of a line.

The Bowline Knot on Pinterest

It's used almost exclusively when attaching a sheet to the clew of a headsail. Underload, the bowline a reliable knot.

Nevertheless it's easy to undo, and therein lies its weakness because if the headsail is allowed to flog the bowline can shake itself loose and detach itself from the sail.

If this happens with a high-cut jib the clew will be out of reach - you'll have to drop the sail to re-attach the sheet, which is less than ideal in anything of a blow!

In this situation the 'Lightning method' of forming a bowline knot is the way to go.

Like all knots, the bowline will reduce the breaking strain of the line in which it's tied. In the case of the bowline the average loss of strength is around 35% in a braided polyester rope, and considerably more in a Dyneema line.

The Double Bowline is a stronger version of the Bowline Knot.

See also the Bowline on a Bight, a two-loop rescue knot for a man overboard.

How to Tie the Bowline Knot 

How to tie the bowline knot - Stage 1

Stage 1

Make a loop as shown. Note that working end of the line passes under the standing part at the bottom of the loop.

How to tie the bowline knot - Stage 2

Stage 2

Tuck the working end through the loop from front to back.

How to tie the bowline knot - Stage 3

Stage 3

Bring the working end over the standing part, then tuck it through the loop from back to front.

How to tie the bowline knot - Stage 4

Stage 4

Cinch up the knot by holding the working end and newly formed loop and pulling on the standing part - and you have your bowline!


How to Tie the Double Bowline Knot

The Double Bowline knot is more frequently used by climbers than sailors, but it is undoubtably a stronger version of the standard bowline and is therefore worthy of inclusion here. 

How to Tie the Double Bowline (Stage 1)

Stage 1

Make a loop as shown. Note that working end of the line passes under the standing part at the bottom of the loop.

How to Tie the Double Bowline (Stage 2)

Stage 2

Now make a second identical loop beneath the first one.

How to Tie the Double Bowline (Stage 3)

Stage 3

Tuck the working end through both loops from front to back.

How to Tie the Double Bowline (Stage 4)

Stage 4

Bring the working end over the standing part.

How to Tie the Double Bowline (Stage 5)

Stage 5

Now tuck the working end through the loop from back to front.

How to Tie the Double Bowline (Stage 6)

Stage 6

Cinch the knot up tight. You have now tied a Double Bowline!


How to Tie the Bowline Knot - The Quick & Easy 'Lightning' Method

With practice, the 'Lightning' method can produce a bowline knot in seconds.

It's very useful when re-attaching an errant sheet to a headsail, as the bulk of the bowline can be tied before having to wrestle with the sail.

How to Tie the Bowline Knot - The Quick & Easy 'Lightning' Method, Stage 1

Stage 1

Make a loop as shown. Note that working end of the line passes under the standing part at the bottom of the loop.


How to Tie the Bowline Knot - The Quick & Easy 'Lightning' Method, Stage 2

Stage 2

Insert a bight from the working end of the line through the loop from front to back, forming a slip knot.

How to Tie the Bowline Knot - The Quick & Easy 'Lightning' Method, Stage 3

Stage 3

Tuck the working end through the bight where it emerges from the loop.

How to Tie the Bowline Knot - The Quick & Easy 'Lightning' Method, Stage 4

Stage 4

Holding the working end and the standind part together, pull on the lower part of the loop. The slip knot will collapse forming a bowline - magic!

Boating folk are also asking...

What is the purpose of a bowline?

The bowline is a highly versatile knot used to create a fixed loop at the end of a rope. Its primary purposes include:

  • Rescue Situations: It's often used in rescue operations to create a secure loop that can be used to pull someone to safety without tightening around them.
  • Boating and Sailing: Sailors use the bowline to secure lines to rings, posts, or other objects on a boat. It’s particularly useful for attaching mooring lines.
  • Climbing: While less common in modern climbing due to the preference for more advanced knots, the bowline is sometimes used to tie in climbers when other options aren’t available.
  • Camping and General Use: It's handy for creating loops to hang items, secure tents, or lash objects together.

The bowline is often referred to as the "king of knots" due to its importance and reliability in so many situations.

What is the world's most useful knot?

Choosing the "world's most useful knot" can be subjective, as it depends on the specific needs and context. However, many people consider the bowline to be one of the most versatile and essential knots.

The bowline creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope, making it incredibly reliable and easy to untie, even after bearing a heavy load. It's commonly used in:

  • Rescue operations
  • Boating and sailing
  • Climbing (though less common in modern climbing)
  • General-purpose tasks

Its versatility and reliability make the bowline an indispensable knot in various situations. If you'd like to know more about any specific knots or their uses, just let me know!

What is a French bowline for?

A French bowline, also known as a double bowline or a bowline on the bight, is a variation of the standard bowline that creates two loops instead of one. It’s particularly useful in situations where additional security and stability are needed. Here are some common purposes:

  • Rescue Operations: The dual loops can be used to create makeshift harnesses, providing more support and distributing weight evenly.
  • Lifting and Hoisting: The two loops can securely hold objects or personnel, making it ideal for lifting or lowering tasks.
  • Mooring and Rigging: It’s useful in sailing and other marine activities where a reliable, secure loop is needed.

The French bowline offers added versatility and security, making it a valuable knot in various scenarios. If you need a reliable and strong loop, it's a great knot to consider.

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