Origin: Ashley described the Bottle Sling Knot as the Jug Sling or Jar Sling Knot (ABOK # 1142, p 208). However, he attributed it to others: “The Jug Sling is pictured by Roding in 1795. E. N. Little, in 1889, pictures and labels it Jar Sling Knot, the two terms being interchangeable.”

Uses: The Bottle Sling is widely recommended for carrying a bottle. Parachute cord is probably the preferred line for making a Bottle Sling.

Alternative Methods: The method shown here is either not widely known or not known at all. I devised it after trying the various methods recommended on line. Contributors confessed to having difficulty remembering or tying their chosen techniques. Ashley himself wrote: “If you haven’t succeeded in achieving position 3, repeat from the beginning and it will probably fall into correct form.” My own (poor) success rate prompted a search for an alternative method. I now find the method animated here to be the easiest (of course!) but I expect that others who have mastered their own technique will take pleasure in shunning this. The most popular of the other methods would appear to be Ashley’s method and the Engelsk Sӓck-knop or Jug Sling Hitch . For an interesting discussion about the Bottle Sling visit the IGKT Forum.

Bottle Sling Handle

Tying the Bottle Sling: Rope does not arrive in a loop so either the Sling must be tied with one side of the loop “open”, or the ends are joined using, for example, a Double Fisherman’s. The two final lifting loops are likely to be of different sizes. One suggestion is to use Asher’s Equalizer. However, here’s a simpler solution: make the sling with a Square Knot. When complete, undo the Square knot and pass one end through the opposite loop. Then, join the ends again using the Double Fisherman’s.

Moving to the Next Bottle: The Bottle Sling can be loosened and transferred to another bottle leaving the Double Fisherman’s still tied.