How to Tie a Cowboy Bowline Knot

The Cowboy Bowline knot is a variety of bowling knot that is a much better alternative to the standard 'over and around' loop knot. It is useful in tying a loop around something when you don't want the loop to be tight around whatever it is you are tying it to.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Length of rope about three to four feet long, depending on the circumference of whatever you are tying a loop around.

1. 
    

   Start by making a small loop in the line that you will be working with. Drape the remaining rope over the back (or around the side) of the object you are tying up.

2. 
    

   Bring the working end of the rope under the beam and back up through the loop you just created.

3. 
    

   Take the working end of the rope around the other side of the rope, back through the small loop, and doubled back on itself. You will have created a small loop 'trapping' the main line through the first small loop that you created in step 1.

4. 
    

   Pull on the main line of the rope, and gently straighten the working end as you pull them apart. The knot should tighten on itself to create a nice hold without slipping.