The Cow Hitch is used to tie the rope to a post, poles, or other ropes.
It’s like a Clove Hitch except the second Half Hitch is tied in the opposite direction.
It’s easy to learn and can be tied to the end of the rope or a bight.
Let’s learn this hitch in detail.
Cow Hitch Details
Type: Hitch
Other Names: Lark’s Head Knot, Lanyard Hitch
ABoK: #1673, #1802
How to Tie a Cow Hitch
Method 1: End Method (ABoK #1673)
This is a less stable form of the Cow hitch compared to the other variations.
- Pass the end of the rope around the object from behind.
- Cross it behind the standing line.
- Pass the working end around the object in the opposite direction and pass it through the loop.
- Tighten the knot.
Note: Keep the working end long to account for the slippage.
Method 2: Bight Method (ABoK #1802)
This is known as a Girth Hitch among climbers.
You’ll also see this in macrame and other craft projects, like attaching the luggage tags.
- Pass the bight of rope around the object.
- Pass the working end through the loop.
- Tighten the knot.
Method 3: Loop Method
You’ll need this one if you don’t have a free end to work with. You can slip it onto something without having to undo the whole rope.
- Make a bight in your rope.
- Fold the bight in half to make two loops.
- Fold the two loops together.
- Pass it through the end of the object.
- Tighten the knot.
The Cow hitch does not hold tight against the object if you use modern synthetic ropes. Also, tie a stopper knot around the standing end to improve its security.
Securing the Cow Hitch: Pedigree Cow Hitch
If you are worried about the hitch coming loose, try the Pedigree Cow hitch.
It is the same knot but with one major difference—the working end is passed inside the turns for extra security.
This adds extra security and helps stop slippage when the tension is applied to just one end.
Pros & Cons
- Simple and easy to tie.
- Useful for temporary setups.
- May slip or untie under load.
- Has a few useful applications.
Application and Uses
- Farmers use it to tie animals to posts.
- Arborists tie it onto rigging pulleys when lowering tree sections.
- Sailors use it to tie rigging lanyards to poles, trees, or other objects.
- It’s used in macrame and paracord projects to attach items like tags to zippers or secure friendship bracelets to a wooden hoop.
Warning: This hitch can fail if you don’t keep equal tension on both parts of the rope. Not reliable for critical applications especially when tied with just the end of a rope.
Cow Hitch vs Girth Hitch
At first glance, the Cow Hitch and Girth Hitch look like the same knot.
But they are two different knots.
The Girth Hitch is tied with both ends so there is no standing or working end, but when tied in a sling loop there’s just a working bight.
Both lines are under tension, which makes the hitch more secure and stable.
The Cow Hitch takes the load on one side, so it’s less secure when unequal tension is applied.
But it’s more practical when you’re working with a long rope and only one end is available.
The Girth Hitch is tied by passing the whole rope through the bight, which is not practical with the long rope.
Other Knots like the Cow Hitch
Bull Hitch
The Bull Hitch is the secure version of the Cow Hitch, generally recognized by the “X” pattern that gives strength and security.
Clove Hitch
The Clove Hitch is tied similarly to the Cow Hitch, except the second loop is tied in the same direction as the first one.
Buntline Hitch
A Buntline Hitch is a Clove Hitch tied around the standing end with the turns moving toward the object it is tied to.
It’s more secure than the Cow Hitch.
Which variations do you use to tie the Cow Hitch? Do tell us in the comments below.
