How to Tie an Eskimo Bowline

An Eskimo bowline provides a fixed loop at the end of a rope and is a variation on the standard bowline. It is so-named because its earliest known use is on artifacts discovered in the sub-Artic.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place the rope vertically so that the standing end is above and the working end is below. Bend the working end up to the right and push it under the standing end to form a right underhand loop.

2. Pull the working end out from behind the standing end on the left and take it around to the right of the standing end to form a loop of the desired size.

3. Push the working end through the loop formed in Step 1 from below and behind the loop formed in step two on the left. Bring the working end around to the front of this loop and back through the loop formed in Step 1 from above.

4. Work the slack out toward both ends of the rope as you tighten the knot. You will also need to keep the final portion of the working end inside the fixed loop as you do so.

5. Use the Eskimo bowline most effectively when the loop will be wide. However, a standard bowline is a better choice if the loop will be long. The Eskimo bowline is most commonly seen in climbing and rescue where it usually has a stop knot for additional protection.

Resources

• Learn more about knot tying at Realknots.