Quick Answer
To tie a bowline with gloves on, use the "bunny ear" method, starting with a loop in the rope, then making a second loop and passing it through the first, and finally pulling it tight. This method relies on the rope's friction to hold the knot in place. Practice makes perfect, even with gloves.
Preparing the Rope
When tying a bowline with gloves on, it’s essential to start with a rope that’s the right size for the task at hand. Aim for a rope with a diameter of at least 3/8 inches (9.5 mm) to provide enough grip for the gloves. If possible, use a rope with a textured surface, which will help the gloves grip the rope better.
The Bunny Ear Method
To tie the bowline using the bunny ear method, begin by making a loop in the rope with your dominant hand. Hold the loop in place with your thumb, and use your index finger to create a second loop. Pass the second loop through the first loop, then take the end of the rope and pass it over the top of the second loop. Finally, pass the end of the rope through the second loop from underneath, and pull it tight.
Adjusting the Knot
Once the knot is tied, adjust it by pulling on the end of the rope to tighten the knot. Make sure the knot is seated properly by checking that it’s not slipping over the standing part of the rope. With practice, you should be able to tie a bowline with gloves on in under 30 seconds.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.