How to Tie a Butterfly Knot

The butterfly knot is often used when climbing. The knot is useful because it can bear weight in two directions, making it perfect for tying in the middleman in glacier travel or lining several people up along a rope to pull something (such as a person) with a pulley.

Things You'll Need

• Climbing rope

Instructions

1. Wrap the rope loosely around your hand three times. There should be three strands of rope across your open palm.

2. Move the loop closest to your fingertips toward your wrist.

3. Move the loop closest to your fingertips toward your wrist again, this time feeding the loop back through the other loops toward your fingertips.

4. Pull the loop out tight.

5. Pull the loose ends in opposite directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your fingers spread wide when you wrap the rope around your hand to create enough space to actually tie the knot.

References

• Chockstone: Alpine Butterfly