Some consider that a French bowline is the same as a Portuguese bowline, i.e. a bowline with two loops that can be used as a bosun's chair.

A different knot is however also known as a French bowline.

This form of bowline is similar to a standard bowline but there are several loops so that there is less likelihood of damage to a delicate object secured by the bowline. As with a standard bowline, the knot cannot tighten. Pressure is distributed over a wider area than in the case of a standard bowline. The main advantage of this method is that the knot can be tied with one hand.

A convenient way to tie a French bowline can be:

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  1. Wind the running end several times round the object to be tied, leaving enough running end for one further turn.
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  2. Form a loop in the standing end.
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  3. Pass this behind the winds in the running end until it projects beyond these.
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  4. Form a bight in the standing end and push this through the loop.
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  5. Bring the running end behind and through the bight.
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  6. Pull on the standing end to pull the bight back through the loop and form the knot.