Boa knot

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Boa knot
Boa knot
Category Binding
Origin Peter Collingwood in 1996
Related strangle knot, double constrictor knot
Typical use Best used for securing objects in cylindrical loads

The boa knot[1][2][3][4] is a modern binding knot invented by weaver Peter Collingwood in 1996. His intention was to develop a knot that would hold well when the constricted object was cut close to the winds of the knot.

The boa knot is related to the strangle knot and the double constrictor knot. It combines both the structure and qualities of these other two knots. The boa knot can be very difficult to untie and is inappropriate when frequent or fast untying is needed. The knotted part needs to lie over a convex surface to hold.

The boa knot is best used for securing objects in cylindrical loads. Said knot is hard to move around.

Tying

  • Start with making a loop counter-clockwise
    Start with making a loop counter-clockwise
  • Place another loop in the same direction over the first loop
    Place another loop in the same direction over the first loop
  • Twist these loops, by turning the right side in clockwise direction, so you get a figure-eight
    Twist these loops, by turning the right side in clockwise direction, so you get a figure-eight
  • Take a cylindrical object and place it from under above in the first loops
    Take a cylindrical object and place it from under above in the first loops
  • Then put the object through the other loops
    Then put the object through the other loops
  • Pull the loose ends away from it, carefully shaping the knot. Make sure that the strands lined up as at the start. So they shouldn't slip out.
    Pull the loose ends away from it, carefully shaping the knot. Make sure that the strands lined up as at the start. So they shouldn’t slip out.
  • This should tighten the loops to the point where they cling firmly to the desired object, yielding the boa knot. (Frontside)
    This should tighten the loops to the point where they cling firmly to the desired object, yielding the boa knot. (Frontside)
  • Boa-knot. (Backside)
    Boa-knot. (Backside)

Alternative

Boa knot
Strangle knot
Boa knot
Double constrictor knot

See also

References

  1. Handbook of Knots by Des Pawson — ISBN 1-4053-0467-7
  2. Knots — Andrew Adamides — ISBN 978-0-572-03329-3
  3. The Complete Guide to Knots and Knot Tying — Geoffrey Budworth — p.164 — ISBN 0-7548-0422-4
  4. Knotting Matters — issue 55 — p19

External links


This article is adapted from “Boa knot” on Wikipedia, written by its contributors, and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Text on this page is available under the same licence. Source snapshot: Wikipedia via Kiwix, 2026-07-20.