The Bow Knot is used mainly for tying shoelaces. However, there are other uses such as bows, rosettes and ties which when finished look like bowties. You will also find variations of bow knots used in the garden, to tie up parcels and in the stationers shop. There are a number of variations of this knot, some of which it is difficult to tell apart. Each has its own name and is related to the original bow knot.
The example shown here is the Bow Knot or Double Bow Knot. To start tie a half granny knot by pulling one end of your lace under the other. Next form a loop or bow in one of the loose ends or your lace. Next pass the remaining loose end over the loop or bow formed and tuck it under and out the other side forming another bow. Finally pull both bows until tight. Click on the image for a larger animation
Bow knots are also split into two types those that will spill quickly with a tug on one of the loose ends and those that don't spill when tugged. Listed below are all the variations that I know.

• Half or Single Bow Knot
• The Bowknot or Double Bowknot
• Rosette or Rosette Knot
• Double Shoestring Knot
• Double Slip Knot or Ian's Secure Knot
• Shoestring or Parcel Knot
• The Ian Knot

• Shoe Clerk's Knot
• Square Shoestring Knot
• Square Knot
• Stationers Knot
• Shoestring or Parcel Knot

As you will notice the Shoestring or parcel knot appears in both lists. This is because there are two varitations of this knot with the same name.In principal all bow knots have two common features, they all sport one or more loops and have two loose ends. Half of the these knot can have either end pulled and they will immediately come undone. However, one variation of the shoestring or parcel knot will come undone when one end is pulled, followed by tugging the other loose end. The other won't come undone when either end is pulled.

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