Zeppelin bend

Each rope forms a loop, and the two loops are laid on top of each other so their openings line up. The two ends then run in opposite directions through this shared middle. This way each rope encircles the end of the other. Under load the two loops draw into each other and clamp the ends in the middle.

What is special is that the forces in the knot are spread so that it holds firmly but hardly jams. That is why it can usually be untied after loading by pushing the two loops apart a little. Because both ropes play exactly the same part in the knot, it works best with ropes of similar thickness.

A correctly tied Zeppelin bend is symmetrical: if you turn it over, it looks the same from the other side. The two short tails point in opposite directions and each lies parallel to the standing part of the other rope. In the middle you see two interlocking curves.

If the knot looks lopsided, deforms as you set it or a tail slips out to the side, usually one of three things has happened: both loops were made the same instead of as mirror images, both ends were passed through in the same direction, or the loops were stacked in the wrong order. Then start again. Set the knot slowly, dressing it as you go, and leave both tails well out.

The Zeppelin bend is ideal when two ropes of similar thickness must be joined reliably and separated again later – for example joining two lines into a longer ridgeline, or extending a rope for a particular job. It stays reliable under varying load too.

For ropes of very different thickness the double sheet bend is the better choice. And because the sequence is easy to mix up, you should only use it if you have really mastered it and can check it with confidence. A knot you cannot recognise is, when in doubt, worse than a simpler one you know well.

The step sequence of this knot is still awaiting an expert check here. So always compare your finished knot with a reliable illustration or have an experienced person look at it. Typical mistakes are loops made the same instead of as mirror images, ends passed the same way and tails that are too short.

As with all joins: the join is often the point where a line gives way. Do not hang anything where it could fall on people. Here the Zeppelin bend is a knot for gear. Life-safety use of knots only after proper training with certified equipment.

The name is based on a story that the knot was used to moor airships; English-language books therefore also call it the Rosendahl bend. How well that story is documented is unclear. What is certain is that newer knot books recommend it as a dependable bend that is easy to untie.

Two ropes in different colours are good for practising. Say it quietly as you tie: '6, 9, stack them, one up, one down.' Tie it several times in a row and compare it with a picture each time, until you can spot a mistied knot at first glance.