Jar Sling Knot (bight method)

The Jar Sling Knot is used for creating a handle on glass or ceramic containers with a slippery, narrow neck, provided the neck widens slightly near the top for a secure hold. This versatile knot has also been adapted as an improvised hackamore or emergency bridle, with the two central overhand knot sections functioning as a bit. One outer bight passes over the animal's muzzle, while the other passes under the jaw. Aesthetically pleasing, the knot can also be used decoratively, such as for creating a lanyard. Multiple methods exist for tying the Jar Sling Knot with the bight method shown in this animation being one of the most common.

The Jar Sling Knot was first documented by the Greek physician Heraklas in his first-century monograph on surgical knots and slings. He referred to it as the 'diplous karkhesios brokhos,' meaning 'double jug-sling noose,' and provided three distinct tying methods. Although it is believed to have had medical uses in ancient Greece, the Jar Sling Knot has no known modern medical application. Knot expert Dr. Cyrus L. Day noted that the bottle sling was not described again in print until Harry Craigin's 1884 book, 'A Boy's Workshop', where it appeared in the final chapter on knots, hitches, and splices. However, Clifford Ashley observed that the knot was illustrated earlier in 1795 by Johann Röding in his naval dictionary, 'Allgemeines Wörterbuch der Marine'.

The Jar Sling Knot is formed by tying the knot separately, then slipping it over the end of the bottle or cylindrical object. Once in position, the center of the knot is tightened around the object's circumference, ensuring a secure hold. As the knot constricts, the loops or slings formed on either side act as handles for easy carrying.