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Figure-eight loop

Also: Figure-of-eight loop, figure eight follow-through

Fixed loop

Makes a fixed loop at the end of a rope that doesn't tighten.

Difficulty: Medium

Not for climbing, not for securing people and not for loads overhead.

  1. Figure-eight loop – Step 1 of 6
    Step 1 of 6Make a loop with the end side over the standing part.
  2. Figure-eight loop – Step 2 of 6
    Step 2 of 6Lead the end around behind the standing part.
  3. Figure-eight loop – Step 3 of 6
    Step 3 of 6Push it through the loop from the front: a loose eight.
  4. Figure-eight loop – Step 4 of 6
    Step 4 of 6Bring the end back to the eight as a big loop.
  5. Figure-eight loop – Step 5 of 6
    Step 5 of 6Follow the eight exactly with the end, side by side.
  6. Figure-eight loop – Step 6 of 6
    Step 6 of 6Pull all four strands tight one by one.

Pros

  • Easy to check: tied right, you see a doubled figure eight.
  • Holds well and hardly slips, even in smooth rope.

Cons

  • Hard to untie after heavy load.
  • Takes more rope and time than a bowline.

Holding and untying

Holds well, even when the rope jerks. Hard to untie after a strong pull.

Suitable rope

Almost any rope, including smooth synthetic rope.

Common mistake

The second pass doesn't run parallel to the first. Then it isn't a clean eight.

How to check it

All strands lie side by side in pairs without crossing each other.

Related knots

BowlineDouble fisherman's knot

The most useful knots for tarp, tent and line, step by step.

Open in the knot guide in the app

In the app the knot guide also works offline.