Bowline
The all-purpose fixed loop. Tie it in the end of a rope to drop over a post, clip to a ring, or haul just about anything. It's the first loop knot most people should learn.
How to tie the Bowline
- Make a small loop in the standing part, with the working end crossing over the standing line. Leave enough working end to complete the knot and a generous tail.
- Bring the working end up through the small loop from the underside. This creates the larger fixed loop that will remain after the knot is set.
- Take the working end around the back of the standing part. Keep this turn close to the small loop so the knot stays compact.
- Pass the working end back down through the same small loop, following alongside the section that came up through it.
- Dress the knot so the collar surrounds the standing part and the two strands inside the small loop lie neatly together. Pull the standing part and the large loop apart to set it.
How to inspect it
The finished bowline has a fixed loop, a compact central knot, and a collar wrapped around the standing part. The working end exits inside the large loop on the common form shown here. Confirm that the tail is generous and that no strand has crossed or folded unexpectedly.
Common mistakes
A common mistake is reversing the first loop or routing the working end around the wrong side of the standing part. A short tail and a loosely dressed collar can also allow the knot to work loose when repeatedly unloaded and shaken.
Rope and material notes
The bowline is easiest to inspect in firm, braided rope that holds its shape. Very stiff, very slippery, or unusually small cord can behave differently and may require a different knot or equipment-specific procedure. Do not infer climbing or life-safety suitability from a general-purpose demonstration.
Safety note: These steps support practice and recognition. Climbing, rescue, lifting, towing, and other critical systems require qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures.
Which knot should you choose?
Choose a Bowline when you need a fixed end loop that is usually easy to untie after loading. Compare it with the Figure Eight Follow Through when visual inspection and resistance to cyclic movement are more important, and with the Running Bowline when the outer loop must tighten around an object.
Why it earns its place
Holds firmly under load yet unties easily afterward, even after heavy strain — the rare knot that's both secure and cooperative.
Where it fails
Can loosen when slack or repeatedly shaken. For climbing, rescue, or other critical loads, follow qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures; adding a backup alone does not establish suitability.
Quick facts
| Type | Fixed end loop |
| Under load | Very secure |
| Untying | Easy, even after load |
| Best for | Mooring, hauling, general use |
External reference
KnotStyle provides the selection advice, written practice sequence, inspection points, and cautions above. Use this independent animation as an additional visual reference.
View external animation ↗Source and editorial notes
Reference: Animated Knots by Grog: Bowline. Source checked 2026-09-30. Selection advice and difficulty ratings are editorial judgments, not strength tests. How this guide is prepared.