Page 81 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

the bight can be used to extend the reach of a come-
along, provide handholds for team hauling, make a
place to hang a ladder, plank, block, or container
from, or make an eye at the top of a makeshift sling.
When you have the time, they’re more stable, jam-
proof lashing loops as well.

The Bowline on a Bight
This is the best-known member of this class, a two-
loop beauty that starts out as an Overhand Knot,
becomes an amorphous tangle, and finally resolves
itself into elegant utility (Figure 3-14A). This knot
Figure 3-14A. The Bowline on a Bight begins with is the traditional choice for bight work because of its
an Overhand Knot, tied with a bight. Drop the bight simplicity and double-bearing surface, but it is not
over the Overhand Knot (1) and pull on the upper- entirely dependable when the strain comes on one
most turn of the Overhand (2) to draw in the bight part only or when the two standing parts are pulled
and form the neck of the knot. in opposite directions. In the former instance, make
a Bowline on a Bight with a Bowline on it (Figure
3-14B). In the latter instance try a different knot
such as the Farmer’s Loop (Figure 3-15) or the But-
terfly Knot (Figure 3-16).

The Farmer’s Loop
This is a fine knot for a number of reasons, not
the least of which is that it provides sailors with a
non-invective use for the word “farmer.” Besides
that, it is fast to tie, never jams, and has a perfect
lead for sidewise pull. And it’s fun.
To make it, start with three turns around your
hand. Shift the middle turn over the left one, the
new middle turn over the right one, the still-newer
middle turn over the left one, and pull the newest
middle turn straight out while holding on to both
standing parts (Figure 3-15). Done. Because it’s
so handy, you’ll sometimes make a Farmer’s Loop
at the end of a line instead of a Bowline, especially
when a shackle, Backsplice, or Figure-Eight Knot
make the end difficult to pass.

The Alpine Butterfly Knot
Another important single-loop knot also originated
Figure 3-14B. A Bowline on a Bight with a Bow- on land: The Alpine Butterfly Knot (also known as
line on it. Without the Bowline, the main knot can the Lineman’s Loop) was first used by telegraph
deform or capsize, if the load comes on only one company crews, giving each member a comfort-
standing part.
able loop to haul on for raising poles and tightening

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