Figure-Eight Knot
Also called: figure 8 stopper
A stopper knot that is bulkier than an overhand and much easier to untie after it has been loaded.
- Type
- Stopper Knots
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Good for
- Camping, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking
What it is for
- A stopper to keep a rope from running through a pulley, ring, or hole
- A neat end on a rope you want to untie later
- The basis of the figure-eight loop
How to tie it
- Make a loop by crossing the working end over the standing part.
- Continue the working end behind the standing part and bring it back around to the front.
- Pass the working end down through the loop and pull it tight.
- The finished knot should look like the number 8.
There are no diagrams on this page yet. Tie it along with the steps using a short piece of cord, and compare your result with a photograph or an instructor before you rely on it.
Tips
- Leave a tail of several inches beyond the knot.
- Dress the knot so the strands lie side by side rather than twisted.
When not to trust it
- It is only a stopper. It does not make a loop, a hitch, or a joint on its own.
- Like any knot, it can come undone if tied carelessly or left with a very short tail.
Often confused with
- Overhand knot: smaller and simpler, but it jams tighter under load.
Field notes
The figure-eight is the standard stopper because it holds well and still comes untied by hand. It is the same shape that anchors the figure-eight loop.
Related guides
This page explains how to tie an everyday knot. It is not training for climbing, rappelling, tree stand fall protection, or rescue. If a failure could injure someone, learn from a qualified instructor and use equipment rated for the job.