1. userpic
    David | Mar 25th, 2011 2:58pm PDT #

    I so didn't understand the following sentence:

    <p><i>"What you want to do now is to take another wrap with the bight, around just the top half of the cuff (don't pass between the columns this time) -- then up through the loop a third time:"</i>

    <P>Nor is the picture underneath clear about what you have just done. <i>is duly confused</i>

    Reply to this comment

    1. userpic
      Angie | May 25th, 2012 9:02am PDT #

      @David. You may not ever read this, but if I found this page others will, so for the good of the internet I'll attempt to explain it...

      What we see here is that the tan working-end bight has come up the bottom of the picture, through the orange loop just above the standing part, across the loop's "x", then around the entire cuff. That means the bight goes between the columns on the right, around the back of the cuff, back between the columns on the left, and up through the loop.
      after cinch loop

      [Aside: you can skip going through the standing end loop if you want to go around again to burn up some rope or space the columns a bit—just be sure to go through the orange standing line's loop a second time after that go-round.]

      We're not done though, remember. You cannot load the bight at this point! It will just tug the front and back of the cuff together and twist everything.

      To lock it, make one final loop around, but (here's the confusing part) don't go around the whole cuff. The bight will not pass between the columns to get to the far underside of the cuff this time. Instead it just rides between the front of the cuff and one column. That is: it's pulled to the right, tucked into the cuff, slid along the column under the cuff, then comes back up from under the cuff and goes through the standing end loop for a final (third) time.


      In this side-view, one can see:

      • there's a pair of tan lines that goes down between the columns (and around the back of the cuff; this tightens the cuff around the columns.)
      • just to the left of that is another pair of tan lines that just goes under the front of the cuff (this locks the final knot.)

      after lock loop

      Sorry to be wordy, just wanted it to be very clear. You need that final pass to lock the cuff-tightening pass, especially if you're going to put load on the bight.

      For another visual, watch his above-linked video tutorial. The relevant part starts 53 seconds in.

      Cheers. Stay safe, all.

      Reply to this comment

      1. userpic
        Vuvalini | Nov 8th, 2018 4:09am PST #

        Hi, new to this. Wondering if you could indicate situations (if any) when would be preferable NOT to use a sommerville bowline. I'm new to this, and all the information I found is about how this is super safe and what people use most of the time. So, I was wandering, what are some reasons one my have to not use it sometimes?

        Reply to this comment

        1. userpic
          Topologist | Nov 9th, 2018 4:17pm PST #

          The most common situation that it's not suitable for is where you might need to untie it under significant tension (which is near impossible).

          Reply to this comment

        You must sign in to comment. It is free to create an account.

        We apologize for the hassle, but it is necessary to require accounts in order to prevent spam without employing 3rd-party services that could compromise your privacy. No personal information is required to create an account.