Page 71 - Geoffrey Budworth, Jason Dalton "The Little Book of Incredibly Useful Knots"
P. 71
Bowline
The bowline is an ancient knot with a rich history. The name comes from the lines used to attach
the furls of sails to the bow for stabilization. But the knot is probably much older than that,
because similar knots are found in prehistoric records. Current uses for the bowline include
temporary moorings for small craft, several rescue applications, and whenever a fixed loop is
needed that will not close around a waist, leg, or foot.
Start the knot by forming a bight of rope, with the working end on the right. In the standing end
form a loop, with the remaining part of the standing end leading from beneath the loop (1). Insert
the working end through the loop from underneath (2). Bring the working end behind the
standing line from right to left and back down through the loop (3). Tighten by pulling down on
the large loop created by the knot (4).
