Stoppers
Figure Eight Knot
Flemish knot
DIFFICULTY ●○○○○
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.
See it tied step-by-step ↗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 |