Tying a double bowline knot creates a strong, fixed loop at the end of a rope, known for its reliability and resistance to slipping, even when wet or under load. It's essentially a standard bowline with an extra pass of rope to enhance security, providing a more robust loop.
Why Use a Double Bowline?
The double bowline offers increased security compared to a standard bowline. This makes it suitable for situations where the consequences of knot failure are significant.
- Enhanced Safety: The additional pass of rope around the standing part adds friction and stability, making the knot less likely to untie accidentally.
- Reliable Loop: Provides a fixed-size loop that doesn't slip or bind excessively.
- Easy to Untie: Like a standard bowline, it's generally easy to untie even after being subjected to load.
Step-by-Step Guide: Tying the Double Bowline
Tying a double bowline involves creating a loop with a doubled rope. Here's a common method:
- Double the Rope: Begin by doubling the working end of the rope back on itself for a length sufficient to form the desired loop size plus enough for tying the knot. You'll be working with this bight (the doubled section) as if it were a single rope end.
- Form the "Rabbit Hole": In the standing part of the rope (the section going away from where your loop will be), create a small overhand loop. This loop should have the end of the bight coming up from underneath or through the bottom of the hole you've created.
- "Rabbit" Comes Up: Take the bight (your doubled working end) and pass it up through the small hole you just formed.
- Around the Tree: Take the bight and pass it behind the standing part of the rope, going around the main rope.
- Back Down the Hole: Bring the bight back and pass it down through the original small hole you created. Ensure the two strands of the bight remain parallel throughout this process.
- Hold and Tighten: Hold the loop you've created, the standing part, and the bight (the "end" of the knot) securely. As shown in the video reference snippet around the 2:33-3:52 mark, you'll then pull the standing part and the loop simultaneously to tighten it down. The video confirms, "There you go. So that's the double bowline." Properly dressed (tidied), the knot should resemble a standard bowline but with a double thickness of rope forming the loop and the final tuck.
Key Tips for Tying a Double Bowline
- Always dress the knot neatly before tightening – ensure all strands are parallel and not crossed.
- Practice tying the knot correctly to build muscle memory.
- Ensure you have enough working length to comfortably form the double loop.
Common Uses
The double bowline is a versatile knot used in various applications where a secure, non-slip loop is needed.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Climbing | Creating a secure tie-in point (often preferred over single bowline). |
| Rescue | Forming a loop for securing a person or object. |
| Boating/Sailing | Tying off to a post, creating a secure loop on deck, or for various rigging. |
| Arboriculture | Creating safe anchor points or loops for rigging. |
By following these steps, you can reliably tie a double bowline, gaining the extra security this knot provides over its single counterpart.
