Page 251 - Geoffrey Budworth "The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Knots"

PEDIGREE COW HITCH

Purpose

A lightweight attachment, scorned by many knot tyers, the common cow hitch is
insecure since any load falls on only the standing part. It can be tied quickly and

easily by several methods, however, which makes it handy for starting lashings

or suspending items in a garage, outdoor storage area, office or studio. If it is to
be used, then this adaptation of the basic hitch is recommended.

Tying #1
Flop a bight over the beam, spar or rail and pull both ends of the cord or lanyard

through as shown (figures 1–2). This results in the common and despised cow
hitch. Tuck the working end (figure 3) to convert it into a pedigree version.

Tying #2

Alternatively, the knot may be tied directly with the working end (figure 4).

Tying #3

The basic knot can also be tied in the bight and then slipped over the end of its

anchorage point (figures 5–6), then the final tuck made.

Knot lore

Harry Asher first published this simple knot in The Alternative Knot Book (1989)
and it was shortly afterwards adopted by the Girl Guides Association for Level

One of their Knotter’s Badge.