How to Put a Loop in a Tow Rope

The Alpine Butterfly Knot, also known simply as a butterfly knot, is useful for adding loops into towing ropes. The butterfly knot requires a bit of practice. To master this knot, keep a two to three foot length of rope next to the sofa and practice the knot while watching TV or relaxing. Once mastered, it becomes a highly useful knot for many situations when a loop is required on a main line.

Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap the rope around your open hand over the top. Keep the rope near the ends of your fingers and hold the working end of the rope -- the end you pull to form the knot -- up from the fingers.

    • 2

      Bring the rope around the back of the fingers and over the palm for another wrap. Bring the working end over the palm and above the thumb. Pull the wrap nearest the finger tips toward the thumb wrap with your other hand.

    • 3

      Tuck the wrap under the other two and wrap around them. Pull the loop through the other wraps and remove your hand and fingers from the forming loop-knot.

    • 4

      Pull tight and clean the knot by pushing the wraps around the main line so they rest as close to it as possible. The result is a loop in the middle of the line. Use this on the tow rope when a loop in the middle is needed.