Page 22 - Peter Randall - The Craft of the Knot

accomplishes the same thing. This series of knots is often used to stop a line from
passing through an opening.

FIGURE EIGHT KNOT

This knot is started like the Overhand Knot, but here the running end makes a complete
round turn around the standing part before passing through its loop.

STEP 1 Use the running end to make a crossing turn, and pass the end under the

standing part.

STEP 2 Twist the running end up and through the crossing turn.

STEP 3 Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends.

If you wish to use the Figure Eight Knot as a stopper knot, modify Step 2 by pulling
the standing part while pressing against the base of the knot on that side. When the
Figure Eight Knot and similar stopper knots are tightened this way, the running end will

point to the side at a right angle.

The Figure Eight Knot is frequently used as a basis for other knots. It is much easier to
untie than the Overhand Knot, and is not as damaging to rope fibers. Because the Figure
Eight Knot has a distinctive “figure eight” look, it’s easy to check to make sure it’s tied
correctly. This is one of the reasons it is popular with rescue work. It is used on the
running rigging of sailboats to keep lines from running all the way through leads and

pulleys.