Tie a bowline
A fixed loop that won't slip or jam, and still unties easily after holding a heavy load.
- Make a small loop in the rope, with the part leading to the free end lying on top.
- Pass the free end up through that small loop from underneath.
- Take the free end around behind the long (standing) part of the rope.
- Bring it back down through the small loop the way it came.
- Hold the free end against the big loop and pull the standing part to tighten.
Tip: The old memory aid: the rabbit comes up the hole, around the tree, and back down the hole.
Try it now: Tie one around a chair leg with a shoelace or charger cable, then untie it.
Next crumbs
- 🪢 KnotsTie a figure-eight stopperA chunky knot at the end of a rope that stops it slipping through a hole, a pulley or your hand.
- 🪢 KnotsTie a clove hitchThe fastest way to tie a rope to a post or rail, and it's easy to adjust.
- 🪢 KnotsTie a taut-line hitchAn adjustable loop that holds tension. Slide it to tighten a tent line or a load tie-down.