Page 90 - The New Encyclopedia of Knots

figure 61.2

figure 61.3

Remember to tuck against the lay and as described for the eye splice; three full tucks at least are
required to provide sufficient strength in the eye (figure 61.3). Do not trim off the ends.

Fibres: the smallest element of rope construction. The fibres are twisted together to form the yarns.
They are the thread-like natural vegetable equivalents of filaments. The yarns are twisted in the
opposite direction to the fibres to form the strands, and the strands are twisted in the opposite
direction to the yarns, to form the lay of the line. The main vegetable fibre ropes are coir, cotton,

Italian hemp, Manila and sisal.

Figure of eight knot: a stopper knot that, because of its bulk, is often preferred to the thumb knot, being
easier to undo although it does not bind so tightly.

To make this knot, lay the working end across the standing part, passing the former around behind the
latter. The knot is completed by tucking the working end down through the bight (figure 62). It is not

necessary to tighten the knot, as this will happen automatically when the knot is engaged; see also
continuous figure of eight; double figure of eight; figure of eight loop; figure of eight in a double end,
and sliding figures of eight.