Bowline on a bight

1The knot in plain words

2Knot ID card

Knot family

Fixed loop (double)

Difficulty

Intermediate

Holds a steady load

Yes, neither loop slips

Unties after load

Yes, fairly easily

Weak point

Less secure with one loop loaded

Also called

Double-loop bowline

3How to check it

Step-by-step tying is being checked on real rope before we publish it. Until then, use the illustration and the checks below.

• There are two fixed loops that keep their size when you pull.

• The opened bight sits snug around the standing parts, behind the knot.

• The strands lie neatly, with no loose or twisted turn.

4Key points

1. 1.

   Bowline on a bight = two fixed loops from a doubled rope.

2. 2.

   No free end needed: tie it anywhere along the line.

3. 3.

   The bight goes up through the small loop, then folds down over the big loops.

4. 4.

   Load both loops together; never use it to lift people without training.

5Frequent mistakes

• Mistake: Taking the bight around the standing part, as in a single bowline.

  Correct: Open the bight and pass it over the two big loops instead.

• Mistake: Loading just one of the two loops.

  Correct: Share the load between both loops; one loop on its own is less secure.

• Mistake: Using it to lift or hold a person after learning it from a web page.

  Correct: Lifting people is life-safety work: it needs proper training and equipment.

6Don't mix it up

• BowlineOne loop at the end of a line? Tie the ordinary bowline. The bowline on a bight is for two loops, or the middle of a rope.Study it →
• Figure-eight loopThe figure-eight loop gives one loop that's easy to check but can jam. The bowline on a bight unties more easily.Study it →

7Questions sailors ask

8Test yourself