How to Tie the Figure Eight Loop Knot
The Figure Eight Loop
The Figure Eight Loop is a strong and reliable fixed-loop knot used to create a secure loop at the end of a rope. It is widely used in climbing, rescue work, caving, sailing, and general rope applications because it forms a stable loop that is easy to inspect and highly resistant to slipping. Due to its strength and predictable behavior under load, it is one of the most trusted loop knots in modern rope work.
Other Names: Flemish Loop
Figure Eight on a Bight Instructions
Today, the Figure Eight Loop is listed in The Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK #1047) and is recognized as one of the most important end-of-line loop knots. Its structure is based on the Figure Eight Stopper Knot, with the rope retraced to form a fixed loop that distributes load efficiently throughout the knot. The resulting loop remains secure under tension and is generally easier to visually verify than many other loop knots, making it particularly popular in safety-critical applications.
When a situation demands two loops, see the Double Figure Eight.
Key Considerations
Proper dressing of the Figure Eight Loop is important to ensure the strands lie neatly alongside one another without crossing. A correctly dressed knot allows the load to be distributed evenly and helps maintain the knot’s strength and stability. As with all life-safety knots, it should be carefully inspected after tying to confirm that the retraced path is correct and that adequate tail length remains.
Typically, when tied at the end of your rope, an added stopper (see the Double Overhand) will provide security to the tag end.
Advantages & Disadvantages
One of the key advantages of the Figure Eight Loop is its combination of strength, security, and ease of inspection. It performs reliably in a wide range of rope materials and conditions, making it a standard knot in climbing and rescue systems around the world. Although it can become difficult to untie after heavy loading, its proven reliability and straightforward structure have made it one of the most widely used fixed-loop knots in modern rope work.
In addition, the Figure Eight Loop may be tied without the ends of the rope.
ABOK #1047 - Figure Eight Loop
ABOK Numbers: Abok #531, Abok #1047
The Figure Eight Loop appears twice in Ashley’s Book of Knots. The direct entries are as follows:
Abok #531,
‘A Figure-Eight Knot tied in the doubled end makes strong, bulky knot for a violin string, which may be needed if the hole has been much worn. It is larger than 518, which is also used for the purpose. The same knot may be tied in the bight of a line, and either or both ends may be pulled, but the pull should not be on both ends unless the two parts have a parallel lead.’
Abok #1047,
‘The Flemish Loop or Figure-Eight Loop is perhaps stronger than the Loop Knot. Neither of these knots is used at sea, as they are hard to untie. In hooking a tackle to any of the loops, if the loop is long enough it is better to arrange the rope as a cat’spaw (#1891)’
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, knot strength, security, and suitability can vary depending on rope type, condition, load, environmental factors, and how the knot is tied. Users are responsible for inspecting their equipment and verifying that a knot is appropriate for their intended use. Do not rely solely on the information provided here for activities involving personal safety, life support, climbing, rescue operations, heavy lifting, or other high-risk applications.
SCB Media Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the knots and techniques described. Always seek professional instruction and follow applicable safety standards where appropriate.