Page 25 - Derek E. Avery - The new encyclopedia of knots

figure 13.3

Bowline: one of the most useful shipboard knots, used to form a standing

loop in the end of a line. The bowline is easy to tie and produces a strong,
non-slip knot.

One way of tying this knot is first to form a bight and then thread the
working end up through it (figure 14.1). Complete the knot by passing the
end around behind the standing part and back down through the bight
(figure 14.2), and then pulling it tight.

Alternatively, and more professionally, begin by holding the standing part
of the line in your left hand and with the working end in your right hand
lay it across the standing part to form a bight and hold it there firmly

between your right forefinger and thumb. Now lift your left hand so that
the bight starts to loop over the working end, meanwhile turning your
right hand clockwise so that the working end turns down and inwards
towards the bottom of the bight. Continue to turn the working end as
the standing part loops over it and forms a second bight, so that the
working end turns upwards to poke up through this second bight that

you have formed (figure 14.1). Complete the knot as before.

figure 14.1