Secure loop in the middle of a length of rope.
VIDEO
Alpine Butterfly Loop Details
Found in: Boating, Climbing, Scouting, Mid Loop Knots
Also known as: Lineman’s Loop
Features: Ashley described the Alpine Butterfly Loop twice. It’s called Lineman’s Loop (ABOK # 1053, p 191) and Harness Loop (ABOK # 532, p 87). It provides a secure loop in the middle of a piece of rope. Load can be safely applied: from the loop to either end of the rope; between the two ends with the loop hanging free; or to the loop with the load spread between the two ends.
Uses: You can use the Alpine Butterfly Loop anytime you need a secure loop in the middle of a rope. A good example is when a line of hikers wants to attach to a shared rope. You can also use this method for the first part of a Trucker’s Hitch. If a rope gets damaged, isolating the bad section is a great idea. This method lets you keep using the rope, which is much safer than the Sheep Shank.
Tying it: There are several methods for tying the Alpine Butterfly Loop. We devised the method used in the animation. It is an improvement on other “hand-winding” methods. It helps find the loop. The second crossing of your hand is close to your fingertips and away from the other two turns. This helps you locate it, pick it up, and wrap it around the other two strands. To set the knot, hold the loop in your teeth. Then, pull both ends with your hands.
Advantages: The Alpine Butterfly Loop is more stable than the Bowline on a Bight or the Figure 8 Loop. Both of those loops can roll over. Even after a heavy load, the Alpine Butterfly Loop remains simple to undo. It is also a little easier to tie and more compact than the Farmer’s Loop.
The Alpine Butterfly Loop teaches how to tie the Alpine Butterfly Bend. This is one reason we favor it over other similar bends, like:
The Ashley Bend.
The Zeppelin Bend.
The Hunter’s Bend.
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