Posted on by Monkey

Somerville Bowline

The Somerville Bowline was devised by Topologist. There have been a lot of methods posted on how to tie this knot due to its instant popularity in the rope scene. There are a lot of similarities between this and the French/Portugese bowline that was my primary cuff for some years. This new cuff is just as easy to tie and has some benefits which have caused it to become my primary single column cuff. Take the time to practice this knot over and over again until you can do it with muscle memory alone.

Model: ScarletSerenity

Standard Safety disclaimer: Bondage is fun but it can also be dangerous. Ropes that are too tight or in the wrong place can cut off blood flow or cause nerve damage. It is your responsibility to ensure that you play safely. Whatever you do, have fun doing it!

Step 1 - Start with a bight in the center of the rope.
Step 1 – Start with a bight in the center of the rope.
Step 2 - Pull the bight around the limb to encircle the entire limb.
Step 2 – Pull the bight around the limb to encircle the entire limb.
Step 3 - Continue around the limb again to make three double bands of rope. It is OK to do more or less but three seems to work the best for most situations.
Step 3 – Continue around the limb again to make three double bands of rope.  It is OK to do more or less but three seems to work the best for most situations.
Step 4 - Make a loop with the running end.
Step 4 – Make a loop with the running end.
Step 5 - Pull the bight through the loop and pull it out over top of the spot where the running end crosses over itself.
Step 5 – Pull the bight through the loop and pull it out over top of the spot where the running end crosses over itself.
Step 6 - Tuck the bight end under all of the ropes and back through the loop.
Step 6 – Tuck the bight end under all of the ropes and back through the loop.
Step 7 – Pull both ends to cinch the knot down tight.

The steps above demonstrated the structure of the knot.  The steps below demonstrate my fast way for tying it.

Step 1 - Make your bands around the desired limb.
Step 1 – Make your bands around the desired limb.
Step 2 - Lift the running end and let the free tails drape over your hand.
Step 2 – Lift the running end and let the free tails drape over your hand.
Step 3 - Twist your wrist with the running end pinched between your thumb and index and middle fingers. Twisting like this will automatically make the loop demonstrated earlier.
Step 3 – Twist your wrist with the running end pinched between your thumb and index and middle fingers.  Twisting like this will automatically make the loop demonstrated earlier.
Step 4 - Keep your fingers in the middle of the loop and reach for the bight.
Step 4 – Keep your fingers in the middle of the loop and reach for the bight.
Step 5 - Use your index and middle finger which are already in the middle of the loop to grasp the bight end of the rope.
Step 5 – Use your index and middle finger which are already in the middle of the loop to grasp the bight end of the rope.
Step 6 - Pull the bight through the loop.
Step 6 – Pull the bight through the loop.
Step 7 - Tuck the bight under all of the wraps just like you did in the first example.
Step 7 – Tuck the bight under all of the wraps just like you did in the first example.
Step 8 - Pull the bight up through the loop.
Step 8 – Pull the bight up through the loop.
Step 9 - Pull both ends tight.
Step 9 – Pull both ends tight.

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