Bowline Knot Directions

A simple bowline knot

Knots come in many different shapes and sizes, and each one serves a different purpose. The bowline knot, as the name denotes, is a useful knot for a sailor. The bowline knot is easy to tie, comes undone easily when there is no load on it, and stays put without slipping when there is. Because of these qualities, a bowline knot is perfect for tying a mooring line on a ship or boat. With a little practice, anybody can tie a bowline knot one handed in just a few seconds.

Things You'll Need

• Rope

Instructions

1. Form a loop about 5 inches from one end of the rope. This is known as the "bitter end" of the rope. The opposite end of the rope is called the "standing end."

2. Pull the bitter end of the rope through the loop.

3. Bring the bitter end around the back of the standing end.

4. Pull the bitter end of the rope down through the loop once more and tighten the knot.

References

• Animated Knots: The Bowline
• Apparent Wind: Bowline Knot
• Tollesbury Sailing Club: Bowline