Page 26 - Peter Randall "The Craft of the Knot.."

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.

THE MULTIPLE OVERHAND SERIES

The multiple overhand series is made by increasing the number of wraps
in the spine of the knot. After making an Overhand Knot, pass the