Loop Knots

How to tie loop knots.

A loop knot forms a fixed 'eye' that can be either at the end or middle of a rope. Unlike hitches, loop knots do not rely on an object to maintain their shape. They are commonly used for making handles, attaching lines, and creating anchor points. Two representative examples are the Bowline (an end-line loop) and Alpine Butterfly (a mid-line loop).

Loop Knots

Loop Knots

Get the app! ★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 (63,743)

Alpine Butterfly

Alpine Butterfly

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)

Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Artillery Loop

Fixed loop in the middle of a rope.

Bowline

Relatively secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Cowboy Bowline

Fixed loop Bowline variant with outward facing tail.

Double Bowline

Slightly more secure variant of the Bowline.

Double Dragon

Strong, fixed, end-of-rope loop that is quick and easy to tie.

Dropper Loop

A perpendicular loop in fishing line for attaching additional hooks.

Edwards Bowline

Edwards Bowline

Bowline variant with additional security.

Figure Eight Follow Through

Figure Eight Follow Through

Secure loop knot used to tie a rope to a harness or anchor.

Figure Eight Loop

Figure Eight Loop

Secure, fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Figure Nine Loop

Figure Nine Loop

Secure, fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Fisherman's Eye

Fisherman's Eye

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Friendship Knot

Friendship Knot

Decorative knot for tying scarves, symbolizing friendship in Scouting.

Hanson Loop

Secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.

In-Line Figure Eight Loop

In-Line Figure Eight Loop

Secure, directional, load-bearing loop in the middle of a rope.

Inuit Bowline

A secure fixed loop for synthetic rope.

Kalmyk Loop

Quick-release fixed loop knot at the end of a rope.

Lariat Loop

Component of a lariat for lassoing cattle and horses.

Loop Knot

Simple, secure loop for attaching gear or forming anchor points.

Perfection Loop

Perfection Loop

Small secure, fixed loop in rope or fishing line.

Poacher's Knot

General purpose noose used in climbing, fishing, and snares.

Rapala Knot

Terminal loop knot for tying a lure or fly with natural movement.

Running Bowline

Running Bowline

Noose for securing or retrieving objects in sailing and tree-work.

Scaffold Knot

Secure knot for binding a rope to carabiners or shackles.

Scott's Locked Bowline

Scott's Locked Bowline

Secure tie-in knot for lead climbing and anchor systems.

Simple Overhand Noose

Simple Overhand Noose

Simple noose that tightens when pulled.

Slip Figure Eight

Slip Figure Eight

Adjustable bight in the middle of a rope.

Snap Bowline

Quick to tie, Relatively secure fixed loop.

Surgeon's Loop

Strong, easily tied fixed loop often used with fishing line.

Triple Bowline

Form three fixed loops in the middle of a rope.

Water Bowline

Secure Bowline variant for use in wet conditions without jamming.

Yosemite Bowline

Yosemite Bowline

Secure Bowline variant for making a fixed loop.

⚠️ Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.

Knot Categories

Knot Types