Figure Eight Knot
Give the overhand knot one extra half-twist before the tuck and you get a knot shaped like the numeral 8 — bulkier, stronger, and far kinder to the rope.
How to tie the Figure Eight Knot
- Form a loop by crossing the working end over the standing part.
- Carry the working end completely around behind the standing part rather than tucking it through immediately.
- Bring the working end back to the front of the original loop.
- Pass it through that loop from front to back.
- Dress the two lobes into a clear figure-eight shape and pull the working end and standing part apart to set the stopper.
How to inspect it
The knot should show two distinct lobes with the working end and standing part exiting from opposite ends. Trace the rope through one complete extra turn; if it is only a single loop and tuck, it is an Overhand Knot.
Common mistakes
Failing to carry the end around the standing part produces the smaller Overhand Knot. A poorly dressed Figure Eight may cross itself and become difficult to inspect or untie.
Rope and material notes
The Figure Eight is easy to recognize in medium braided rope and provides more bulk than an Overhand Knot. In very large or stiff rope, ensure it seats fully; in small cord, verify that the stopper is large enough for the opening.
Safety note: These steps support practice and recognition. Climbing, rescue, lifting, towing, and other critical systems require qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures.
Which knot should you choose?
Choose the Figure Eight Knot as a general stopper that is visible and usually easier to release than an Overhand Knot. Choose a larger stopper such as the Stevedore or Ashley Stopper when the rope could still pass through the intended opening.
Why it earns its place
The civilized stopper: it blocks a rope end from running through a pulley or hole, yet unties easily even after loading. Also the foundation of the climbing tie-in family.
Where it fails
Almost none as a stopper. Just remember it's the humble one-strand version — the loop and follow-through variants are separate knots with their own rules.
Quick facts
| Type | Stopper |
| Under load | Secure |
| Untying | Easy |
| Best for | Stopping rope ends |
External reference
KnotStyle provides the selection advice, written practice sequence, inspection points, and cautions above. Use this independent animation as an additional visual reference.
View external animation ↗Source and editorial notes
Reference: Animated Knots by Grog: Figure Eight Knot. Source checked 2026-09-30. Selection advice and difficulty ratings are editorial judgments, not strength tests. How this guide is prepared.