How to Tie a Double Bow Knot
Knowing how to tie a knot to match the situation is a useful skill to have. Whether you're a climber, a fisherman or simply have an interest in Boy Scout knots, the proper knot can be entertaining, useful and possibly lifesaving. A versatile knot that's easy to learn is the double bowline. Strong, yet easy to untie, the double bowline is a favorite among knot enthusiasts.
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Instructions
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Double the rope and designate the end pieces. Call the looped end "X" and the two loose ends "Y".
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Hold the rope with Y pointing up and X pointing to the ground. When securing the rope, tie down Y and allow X to hang free. If the knot must bear a heavy load, begin the double bowline high on the rope, rather than low, to accommodate the possibility of slippage.
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Twist X counterclockwise to form a small, upright circle. As you complete the circle, continue as though you will make another on top of it, but instead travel downward then upward with a second larger loop. It will resemble a large teardrop with a small circle at the upper tip.
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Bring X through the tiny circle from the back side to the front side.
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Raise X upward to the right side of Y. Pass it behind Y, then drop it immediately downward, back through the tiny circle. This time, X enters the small circle from the front side and exits the back. Allow to hang downward freely.
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Tips & Warnings
A simple way to remember any variant of the Bowline knot: "The rabbit comes out of his hole, takes a left turn around the tree, and dives back into his hole."
The double bowline can slip under excessive weight and it is not the safest knot for climbing or heavy loads. If you must use it in such a situation, tie a safety knot beneath the double bowline and allow 12 times load circumference of X to hang beneath the completed knot.
