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How to Tie a Bowline Knot
The bowline forms a fixed loop at the end of a rope that will not tighten under load — essential for sailing, rescue work, and any situation where you need a reliable, releasable loop.
How to Tie a Bowline Step by Step
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Written Instructions — Bowline
- Form a small loop Hold the rope a third of the way from the end. Twist a small clockwise loop by crossing the working end over the standing end. Hold the loop open.
- Up through the hole Bring the working end up through the loop from underneath. Think 'the rabbit comes out of the hole.'
- Around the standing part Pass the working end behind and around the standing end (the long part). The rabbit runs around the tree.
- Back down the hole Thread the working end back down through the original loop in the same direction it came up.
- Tighten Hold the standing end and pull the fixed loop to seat the knot firmly. The loop will not change size under load.
Tips for Tying a Bowline
- Practice the rabbit and hole mnemonic: rabbit up the hole, around the tree, back down the hole.
- The working end should finish on the inside of the loop — if it's on the outside you've tied a slipped bowline.
- A bowline tied in the dark is a sailing skill worth practising — do it 50 times until it's muscle memory.
- For extra security on critical loads, add a stopper half hitch against the loop.
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