Page 30 - Knots You Need to Know Easy-to-Follow Guide to the 30 Most Useful Knots

The Figure Eight

The figure-eight knot forms a solid lump in a line—either at the end or in
a bight—that very effectively stops the line from running out too far
through a block or fairlead. The figure eight also makes a quick

temporary substitute for whipping the severed end of a line. To tie the
figure eight, form an overhand loop and then take the end around and
behind the standing part (1). Now pass the end up through the loop from
front to back (2). To draw up, or tighten, the knot, pull on both ends (3). In
making a stopper, never use the overhand knot, which can jam up so
tightly that it must be cut off.