How to Tie the Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line)
Usage
The Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line) is a super secure, non-jamming inline loop that’s a solid alternative to the Alpine Butterfly Loop or Span Loop, especially when you need a more directional, load-balanced knot. Unlike some mid-line loops, this one holds tight under tension and won’t jam up, which suits it to tensioned lines, tarp and camp rigging, and general utility work. It is not a climbing or rescue knot. For an inline attachment point that has to hold a person, use the Alpine Butterfly Loop. You can watch this one form step by step in the Knot IQ app.
Why Learn the Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line)?
- Highly secure and stable, even under dynamic loads.
- Non-jamming, making it easy to untie after heavy loading.
- Excellent inline loop for directional load applications.
- Works well with modern synthetic ropes, reducing slip concerns.
Common Uses
- Tensioned Lines & Camp Rigging: Creating stable attachment points in the middle of a rope. Not for climbing, rescue or any life load — see Security Level below.
- Boating & Marine: Forming secure inline loops for load distribution.
- General Utility: Used for setting up tensioned lines and rigging.
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Notable Features
- Exceptionally Secure: Holds firm under load without slipping.
- Non-Jamming: Easily untied even after significant tension.
- Directional Load Bearing: Great for tensioned applications.
- Can Be Tied Mid-Line: You don't need the end to tie it.
Variations
- Double Dragon Loop (Rope End) vs. The Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line):
- Double Dragon Loop (Rope End): Tied at the end of a rope for anchoring.
- Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line): Forms a strong, load-bearing loop in the middle of a rope.
Similar Knots
Butterfly Knot vs. Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line)
- Pros: The Alpine Butterfly is stable and distributes load well in multiple directions, and it is the one of the two that appears in climbing and rescue syllabi.
- Cons: More complex to tie than the Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line).
Span Loop vs. Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line)
- Pros: The Span Loop is a strong inline loop that distributes force evenly — also a utility knot.
- Cons: Can be harder to tie and adjust under load.
Perfection Loop vs. Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line)
- Pros: The Perfection Loop is a compact and simple loop for fixed end applications.
- Cons: Less suitable for mid-line uses where directional load is needed.
History
The Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line) is a modern adaptation of the Double Dragon Knot, optimized for mid-line applications. Unlike traditional mid-line loops like the Alpine Butterfly, it provides a more directional load-bearing capacity, making it particularly useful for tensioned lines. It does not appear in The Ashley Book of Knots, but has been widely adopted in rigging and marine use for its secure and non-jamming properties. That adoption is community practice, not tested performance.
Source: Knot Study
Security Level
The Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line) is highly secure in everyday use, resisting shaking and loosening, and it holds up across various rope materials. Be clear about where that confidence comes from: it rests on community reports, not measurement. Controlled strength and security data for this knot does not exist, and no standard, rescue organisation or trade syllabus we searched names it — in either direction. Use it as a utility inline loop, and pick a knot rated for life load whenever a person or a load you can’t afford to drop is on the other end.
Downsides
- Less Commonly Known: Users must ensure proper tying technique.
- Bulkier than the Alpine Butterfly: May not be ideal for compact setups.
Structure (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Create a bight in the rope where the loop will be formed.
- Wrap the working end around the standing part twice, forming a double coil.
- Thread the working end back through both coils from underneath.
- Tighten the knot by pulling on both standing parts while shaping the loop.
- Ensure the knot is properly dressed and secured before applying load.
Two coils, not one. Wrapping only once produces a weak slip variant rather than the locked structure, and a mis-dressed or crossed pair does the same. Count the coils and dress them flat before you put any tension on the loop.
FAQ
How does the Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line) compare to the Alpine Butterfly Loop?
It is more directional and bulkier. The Alpine Butterfly is the one with a track record in climbing and rescue use, so for anything life-loaded that is the knot to tie.
Can the Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line) be used for climbing?
No. For an inline attachment point in a climbing setup, tie the Alpine Butterfly Loop instead.
What makes the Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line) better than the Span Loop?
It is easier to tie and gives a secure load-bearing loop with minimal slip risk.
Is the Double Dragon Loop (Mid-Line) difficult to untie?
No, it remains non-jamming and can be loosened after load application.
Important Notes on Safety
- Ensure proper tying technique to maintain security.
- Check for proper loop orientation when using for directional loads.
- Inspect the knot before applying significant weight.
- Check that you made two coils, not one — a single wrap is a weaker slip variant.
- Keep it off climbing, rescue and any other life load.
