How to tie an alpine butterfly knot

The alpine butterfly knot - also known as the trucker's hitch - is excellent for cinching a load, by forming this knot then running the standing end around an anchor, back through the eye, and drawing down you can pull the working end taut and after untying the load the knot is easy to remove.

The knot is also often formed by wrapping the line around the hand loosely three times then crossing the outer line over the other two and the second line over the first and the first crossed line then through the palm.

Alpine Butterfly Knot Step 1 by Comtrain
Step 1

Grab a bight of rope.

Alpine Butterfly Knot Step 2 by Comtrain
Step 2

Spin the rope once.

Alpine Butterfly Knot Step 3 by Comtrain
Step 3

Spin the rope a second time.

Alpine Butterfly Knot Step 4 by Comtrain
Step 4

Grab the top of the bight and fold it down toward the bottom ends.

Alpine Butterfly Knot Step 5 by Comtrain
Step 5

Keeping your hand on the top of the bight, wrap it underneath and through the hole that you just formed.

Alpine Butterfly Knot Step 6 by Comtrain
Step 6

Pull the bite through the hole.

Alpine Butterfly Knot Step 7 by Comtrain
Step 7

Pull both standing ends of the rope apart from the center loop.

Alpine Butterfly Knot Step 8 by Comtrain
Step 8

Dress and tighten the knot.