Knot atlas / No. 03
Bowline
Makes a fixed loop at the end of a line that will not slip or jam, and is easy to untie.
The Bowline set
Tying card
Tie a Bowline
The same steps as the card in our tie-your-own cord box. Practise with any piece of string.
No. 03 · Bowline
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Step 1 / 5Make a small loop
Form a small loop in the standing part, with the part leading to the working end lying on top.
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Step 2 / 5Up through the loop
Bring the working end up through the small loop from underneath.
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Step 3 / 5Around the standing part
Pass the end behind the standing part and bring it back round to the front.
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Step 4 / 5Back down the loop
Push the end back down through the small loop, alongside the part that came up.
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Step 5 / 5Tighten
Hold the end against the side of the big loop and pull the standing part to set the knot; the end finishes inside the loop.
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The other knots
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01
Reef Knot
Joins two ends of the same line, the classic knot for tying a bundle or a parcel. 10 pieces -
02
Figure Eight
A stopper knot: tied at the end of a line so it cannot slip back through a hole or a block. 9 pieces -
03
Bowline
Makes a fixed loop at the end of a line that will not slip or jam, and is easy to untie. 8 pieces -
04
Clove Hitch
Ties a line quickly to a post or a rail with two crossing turns. 7 pieces -
05
Sheet Bend
Joins two lines, even when one is thicker than the other. 8 pieces -
06
Monkey's Fist
Wraps the end of a line into a neat, round ball of turns. 7 pieces -
07
Carrick Bend
Joins two heavy lines; when laid flat it shows an even, woven pattern. 7 pieces -
08
Overhand Knot
The simplest knot: one loop with the end passed through it, the base of many other knots. 8 pieces -
09
Turk's Head
A decorative woven ring of rope, tied around a rail, a handle or a wrist. 8 pieces