The One Handed Bowline

To tie the knot move the mouse along the numbers 1 - 14.

Uses: The One Handed Bowline (ABOK # 1010, p 186.) is a useful and quick way to tie a bowline when the other hand is occupied or injured. There are three main steps:

1. Hold the short end and tie a half hitch with your whole forearm.
2. Pass the short end round the standing end.
3. Still holding the short end, withdraw your hand from the loop.

The illustration above is taken from the viewpoint of the climber with the rope passed round his/her back. Because a bowline can shake loose, it is shown here with a final overhand knot tied to the loop of the bowline.

Caution: a sudden strain while tying this knot could trap your wrist. For safety, some teachers recommend passing the end of the rope using the fingers rather than risk the whole wrist.

Alternative Stopper Knots for the Bowline: to see more details about the bowline as well as other methods of securing it, see the Bowline Page