Here's How to Tie the World's Handiest Knot in Seconds

The alpine butterfly knot, also known as the “linesman’s loop,” has been singled out by adventurers and MacGyvers of all stripes as the world’s handiest, multipurpose loop-style knot ever. Easy, strong, and versatile, it’s an imperative one to include in any respectable knotsman’s arsenal. Thankfully, this simple loop takes less than a minute to tie and can be used in a variety of situations, from climbing to keeping gear off the ground, and even in emergencies. 

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What Is an Alpine Butterfly Knot

The alpine butterfly knot is a sturdy loop that can be tied anywhere between two ends of a rope, creating a strong knotted anchor for clipping into a carabiner or simply to hang over a branch or hook. You can tie as many butterfly knots into a single line of rope as needed, which is especially handy with multiple climbers on a line of rope. But it’s not just useful for climbing. 

The alpine butterfly knot is a versatile knot with numerous uses, ranging from outdoor sports to camping and even just around the house. This knot is seriously strong, which is why it’s especially favored by outdoorsmen, hikers, and climbers in particular—hence the “alpine” prefix in its name. 

While the alpine butterfly will only cinch tighter under weight, it’s surprisingly (and mercifully) easy to untie and remove. 

There are several different ways to tie this knot, all of which work equally well. We use the figure-eight, step-by-step method below. It’s simple and quick, and anyone can master this knot within a few tries.

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How Is an Alpine Butterfly Knot Useful

One of the most popular uses for the alpine butterfly knot is as an easy and reliable means of attaching gear to a rope. The fixed loop in the middle of a line of rope is ideal for fastening carabiners, harnesses, or anything else you want or may need to attach or hang.

Another primary use for this loop is to create multiple attachment points on a single line of rope. Since you can tie as many butterfly knots as you like on one line, the loop is an easy way to provide several anchors for any given reason. This can be particularly helpful for search and rescue or other situations where multiple people or items require one rope.

Finally, it’s kind of miraculous how easy the alpine butterfly knot is to untie—regardless of how much weight is carried on it and how tightly it cinches. When you’re done, simply pull the top and bottom loops and the knot will vanish. Tying it isn’t quite as easy as untying it, but anyone can learn fast. Here’s how to tie the alpine butterfly knot in five simple steps. 

How to Tie an Alpine Butterfly Knot: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Form a Loop in the Rope

Loop the rope around your hand once to create a lone loop.

2. Make a Figure Eight 

Double the first loop over once to create a basic figure eight with the rope.

3. Pull the Top Rope Down

Take the top of the upper figure-eight loop and fold it down over the bottom of the rope, creating two concentric loops.

4. Pull the Rope Through the Loop

Here’s the messiest part, that actually creates the knot. Pull the bottom rope up through the first loop you created. This will start to cinch the knot tight when inserted properly.

5. Tighten the Knot

Pull the two ends of the rope to tighten the knot, and you’re there! When done correctly, it’ll look exactly like this beauty above—a useful loop with a strong butterfly-shaped knot below it. For multiple loops, just repeat this process along your line of rope.