Alpine Butterfly Bend
A rope-to-rope join built from the same interlocking structure as the Alpine Butterfly Loop. Use roughly similar rope diameters.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Practice sequence
- Hold the two rope ends side by side as the temporary junction in the tutorial.
- Follow the linked hand-wrapping sequence and bring both ends together through the central opening.
- Dress all parts and compare both faces with the animation before practicing with a light load.
Use the linked animation to check the crossings. These notes are for learning; climbing, rescue, and lifting require qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures.
Which knot should you choose?
Compare with the Zeppelin Bend for another interlocking join; use the Butterfly Loop when the task needs a mid-rope eye instead.
Why it earns its place
Worth comparing with other interlocking bends when you want a join that can be opened after loading.
Where it fails
An incorrect central tuck can produce a different, unreliable knot. This field guide is not instruction for climbing or rescue systems.
Quick facts
| Function | Rope join |
| Practice level | 3 / 5 (editorial rating) |
| Tutorial | Animated Knots by Grog |
Source and editorial notes
Reference: Animated Knots by Grog: Alpine Butterfly Bend. Source checked 2026-09-11. Selection advice and difficulty ratings are editorial judgments, not strength tests. How this guide is prepared.