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Field Guide / Knots

Figure-Eight Loop

Also called: figure-eight on a bight

A strong, symmetrical fixed loop made by tying a figure-eight knot in a doubled rope.

Type
Loops
Difficulty
Moderate
Good for
Camping, Hiking

Safety: Do not use this page for fall protection, climbing, rappelling, tree stand harnesses, or rescue. For anything where a failure could hurt someone, learn from a qualified instructor and use gear rated for the job.

What it is for

  • Making a fixed loop at the end of a rope
  • Making a loop to clip a carabiner to for non-critical uses
  • A loop that is easy to inspect

How to tie it

  1. Fold the end of the rope back on itself to make a doubled section, called a bight, with a few feet of doubled rope.
  2. Treating the doubled rope as one strand, tie a figure-eight knot, crossing the bight over the doubled standing part.
  3. Take the bight behind and around, then back down through the first loop.
  4. Pull the knot tight and check that the strands lie neatly side by side.
  5. Leave a loop of the size you need at the end.

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

  • Keep the two strands parallel and untwisted all the way through the knot.
  • Tighten it firmly and test it before use.

When not to trust it

  • It can be hard to untie after a heavy load.
  • The loop size is fixed once you tighten the knot.
  • Do not use it for life-safety unless you have been taught by a qualified instructor.

Often confused with

  • Bowline: easier to untie after loading, but less secure if it is shaken loose.

Field notes

The figure-eight loop is popular because it is easy to check by eye: both strands should run parallel through the whole knot.

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.

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