How to Tie the Spanish Bowline
The Spanish Bowline
The Spanish Bowline is a fixed-loop knot that forms two separate loops in the middle of a rope, making it useful for rescue work, lifting, rigging, and other applications where a person or object needs support at multiple points. Unlike the standard Bowline, it is not tied at the end of a rope and instead creates a pair of adjustable loops that can be positioned to distribute load. Because of its unique structure, it has long been valued as a versatile double-loop knot.
Spanish Bowline Instructions
Today, the Spanish Bowline is listed in The Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK#1087) and is recognized as one of the classic double-loop knots. Its design produces two independent loops that can be adjusted in size before the knot is fully tightened, allowing them to be configured for specific lifting or support tasks. Historically, the knot was sometimes used in rescue situations, with one loop serving as a seat and the other supporting the upper body, or the feet through both loops and a hitch around the chest. However, modern rescue techniques generally rely on specialized equipment and more advanced rope systems.
Key Considerations
Proper dressing of the Spanish Bowline is important to ensure both loops are correctly formed and the knot is tightened evenly. The strands should be arranged neatly without crossing, and the loops should be adjusted to their desired sizes before the knot is fully set. Careful dressing helps maintain stability and allows the knot to perform as intended under load.
Advantages & Disadvantages
The Spanish Bowline is a useful rope knot that forms two fixed loops, making it well suited for lifting, rescue, and rigging applications where two attachment points are needed. Because the loops do not tighten under load, they help distribute weight and avoid constricting the object or person being supported. Another advantage is that it can be tied in the middle of a rope without requiring access to either end. However, the Spanish Bowline is more complex to tie and inspect than many other loop knots, making it easier to tie incorrectly if you are unfamiliar with it. It can also become difficult to untie after being heavily loaded, and because it is less commonly used today, many people may not recognize or know how to verify that it has been tied correctly.
For a double loop knot that constricts, see the Rope Handcuff Knot, or see the Double Figure Eight Loop for another non-constricting double loop knot.
ABOK #1087 - The Spanish Bowline
The Spanish Bowline appears in Ashley’s Book of Knots as entry number 1087. The entry appears precisely as:
‘The Spanish Bowline is a well-known Double Forked Loop. It is presumably a sailor’s knot and possibly an old one, but I have not succeeded in finding any early reference to it. It is generally tied in hand, but may perhaps be more easily tied on a table while learning. Middle a rope and hold aloft with both hands, dropping a single down and away from you. Holding the tops of the two upstanding loops that are formed, twist each one of these a half turn toward the center as in the second diagram. Without further twisting pass the left loop through the upper compartment of the right loop to assume the form of the fourth diagram (the third or center diagram being the finished knot).
Raise and reeve each of the two lower bights back through bight that is immediately above it and draw all snug.
The knot is employed in sending or lowering a man from aloft. One leg is thrust through each loop, and, if an unconscious man is to be lowered, a hitch is added around the chest and under the armpits. It may also be used in slinging a ladder for a staging. But as the material from one loop may be drawn into the other loop, the knot must be firmly drawn up.’
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, knot strength, security, and suitability can vary depending on rope type, condition, load, environmental factors, and how the knot is tied. Users are responsible for inspecting their equipment and verifying that a knot is appropriate for their intended use. Do not rely solely on the information provided here for activities involving personal safety, life support, climbing, rescue operations, heavy lifting, or other high-risk applications.
SCB Media Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the knots and techniques described. Always seek professional instruction and follow applicable safety standards where appropriate.