The Farmer’s Loop forms a fixed loop knot in the middle of the rope.
What’s the best thing about it?
You can apply tension from the loop to either end or between the two ends.
According to the Ashley Book of Knots, it’s a pretty solid knot on all three counts: Lead, Security, and Strength.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Farmer’s Loop Details
Type: Loop
Other Names: Wireman’s Loop
ABoK Reference: #1054, #2565
How to Tie Farmer’s Loop Knot
The method of tying the Farmer’s Loop is so distinct that it’s difficult to forget once it is mastered.
Just remember this Leapfrog technique:
Make 3 turns around your left palm. Move the middle rope to the right, then left, and again to the right. At last, pull out the middle one.
- Wrap the rope around the left palm three times.
- Move the middle rope (B) over to the right.
- Move the new middle rope (C) to the left.
- Move the new middle rope (A) to the right.
- Pull out the new middle rope (B) right to form a loop.
- Tighten the knot.
You have tied this knot correctly if you see four bights locking down themselves in place with the fixed loop exiting from the top of the knot.
Also, both ends should exit opposite each other.
At step 5, pull out the rope further to make the final loop of the desired size.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to tie.
- Almost impossible to forget.
- Non-jamming and easy to untie.
- Can be tied in the bight.
- Does not work well with stiff and slippery ropes.
- Lacks symmetrical appearance.
Application and Uses
The Farmer’s Loop is an ancient knot whose history dates back to the 18th century, when it was used on the farm as a utility knot.
It’s also used to:
- Take up slack in a rope or isolate a bad section.
- Make a handhold or a foothold loop
- Attach tools or objects to your rope
Farmer’s Loop Knot vs Alpine Butterfly Knot
I have seen people question, Why not just use an Alpine Butterfly Knot?
This is a fair question.
The Alpine Butterfly Knot is the best in the class, and it’s a crowd favorite. Why?
Its symmetrical, clean look gives you that “I nailed it” confidence when you are done.
The Farmer’s Loop does not have a symmetrical appearance. It looks a bit messy, so it’s difficult to tell if it’s tied correctly.
But it has its own perks.
It’s super easy to tie, and honestly, it’s almost impossible to forget once you get the hang of it.
Both of them have their place; it only depends on what you need.
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