How to Tie a French Bowline

A French bowline is a type of double bowline that you would most often use to hoist an injured person. One adjustable loop serves as a seat and the other goes around the person's chest under the arms. The person's weight keeps the loops tight to prevent them from slipping. The following steps will show how to tie a French bowline.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place the rope so the standing end points straight up. Form overhand loop "A" such that the working end points to the left and is on top of the standing end. Bring the working end down and around to form the first loop of the French bowline.

2. Bring the working end of the rope back up and pass it through loop "A" from below. Pull the working end through loop "A" and take it down again to form the second loop of the French bowline.

3. Pass the working end of the rope back through loop "A" from below once again while ensuring that it is above the first loop. Pull the working end through loop "A" and bring it around the back of the standing end from the right.

4. Pull the working end of the rope to the front of the standing end from the left. Lay the working end over both loops of the French bowline and push it back through loop "A" from the top while ensuring the working end is between the first loop of the bowline and the bottom part of loop "A."

5. Dress the French bowline by adjusting the size of the loops as desired and then tightening the knot of the working end around the standing end.