Bowline

Creates a fixed, non-slip loop at the end of a rope. One of the most important knots in any rigger's toolkit.

1. Form the rabbit hole

   Hold the rope with the load end going down and the working end alongside it. About 18 inches from the working end, twist the standing part forward (away from you) to form a small overhand loop — the "rabbit hole." The load side of the rope must lie on top at the crossing point.

2. Open the loop

   With the small loop sitting open in front of you, hold it steady in one hand. The working end (gold) hangs freely beside it. This small bight is only a threading guide — it is not the finished loop. The large fixed loop forms at the top later.

3. Rabbit down through the hole

   Push the working end DOWN through the rabbit hole from above. The working end enters the top of the small loop and exits below it, pointing downward. Keep the loop itself steady — don't let it close as you thread through.

4. Around the tree

   Swing the working end to the left, loop it around behind the standing part ("the tree"), and bring it back from the right side. The working end passes fully behind the standing part and returns to the front.

5. Back up through the hole and tighten

   Thread the working end back UP through the same rabbit hole it came down through. Then tighten: pull the tail upward while pulling the load end downward. The collar will slide snug.

6. Dress and inspect

   The finished bowline has a fixed non-slip loop at the top and a locked collar at the base. Check that the tail is at least 6 inches long, runs parallel to the standing part inside the collar, and the collar is tight.