Loops

Alpine Butterfly Loop

Lineman's loop
DIFFICULTY ●●●○○

The best fixed loop for the middle of a rope. Wrap the rope around your hand, shuffle the turns, and pull a loop through — no rope ends needed at all.

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See it tied step-by-step ↗

Why it earns its place

Uniquely happy being loaded in any direction: on the loop, on either end, or end-to-end with the loop slack. Also the classic way to isolate a damaged section of rope.

Where it fails

Easy to tie a lookalike that isn't a butterfly. Learn the hand-wrapping method and always check the finished knot has its distinctive symmetric weave.

Quick facts

TypeMidline loop
Under loadSecure in all directions
UntyingEasy
Best forMid-rope clip points, isolating damage

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