Loops

Bowline on a Bight

DIFFICULTY ●●●○○

A double loop tied in the middle of a rope without using the ends. You get two strong side-by-side loops from nothing but a folded bight and a clever final tuck.

rescuemidlineboating
See it tied step-by-step ↗

Why it earns its place

Two loops share the load, and in a pinch the pair has served as an improvised rescue seat — one loop per leg. Unties easily and doesn't need access to a rope end.

Where it fails

The final step — opening the bight and folding it over the whole knot — confuses everyone the first few times. Practice it slowly before you need it.

Quick facts

TypeDouble midline loop
Under loadSecure
UntyingEasy
Best forTwo-point loads, improvised harness

Related knots