How to Tie The Standard Figure Eight Knot

How to Tie the Standard Figure 8 Knot

Usage

The Standard Figure 8 Knot is the classic stopper knot of sailing, rigging, and general utility work. Its job is to stop a rope running out through the hardware it passes over — tackle, blocks, fairleads and sheaves — and it offers a reliable, non-jamming solution for managing rope ends. Its simplicity and strength make it an invaluable knot for beginners and experts alike.

Why Learn the Standard Figure 8 Knot?

Compared to the double overhand stopper knot, It's a simple way to secure rope ends, preventing unintentional slipping or unravelling.

Want to practice this one hands-on? The Knot IQ app walks through the tie step by step, and a set of Knot IQ Companion Kits gives you rope on hand to build the muscle memory offline.

Common Uses

• Marine and Rigging: Stopping a rope from running out through tackle, blocks, fairleads and sheaves.
• Boating: Securing sheets and halyards to prevent unreeving.
• General Utility Work: Creating stopper knots for securing rope ends.

Notable Features

• Non-Jamming: Easy to untie after being subjected to tension.
• Strong and Secure: Prevents ropes from slipping or unreeving under load.
• Simple to Tie: Suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Variations

Add another half-twist before tucking the end and you get the Stevedore Knot, a bulkier stopper for larger hardware openings. Swap the extra twist for more rim parts instead and you get Ashley's Stopper Knot. Both build on the same one-extra-twist idea as the Standard Figure 8 — just dialed up for bulk.

Similar Knots

Overhand Knot vs. Standard Figure 8 Knot

• Pros: Simpler and quicker to tie.
• Cons: Prone to jamming under tension.

Double Overhand Stopper Knot vs. Standard Figure 8 Knot

See our full guide to the Double Overhand Stopper Knot.

• Pros: More secure for dynamic loads.
• Cons: Harder to untie after heavy tension.

Stevedore Knot vs. Standard Figure 8 Knot

See our full guide to the Stevedore Knot.

• Pros: Bulkier and more secure as a stopper.
• Cons: Slightly more complex to tie.

History

The Standard Figure 8 Knot, also known as the Flemish Knot, has been a staple in ropework for centuries. Its first recorded mention (as "figure-of-eight knot") was in Lever's Sheet Anchor (London, 1808), per Wikipedia's figure-eight knot entry. Its reliability and ease of untying have made it a cornerstone for sailors and climbers alike, ensuring secure yet non-jamming stopper knots in a variety of scenarios.

Security Level

The Standard Figure 8 Knot is highly secure under light to moderate loads. While it can jam under extreme tension, it remains easier to untie than simpler knots like the Overhand Knot — Wikipedia notes the overhand "will jam" and often needs to be cut, while the figure-eight "is usually more easily undone."

Downsides

• Potential Jamming: Can jam under heavy loads, requiring careful untying.
• Less Secure for Slippery Ropes: Advanced stopper knots like the EStar Knot may be better for synthetic ropes.

Structure

1. Form a small loop in the working end of the rope.
2. Cross the working end over the standing line to create a figure 8 shape.
3. Pass the working end through the lower loop of the 8.
4. Tighten the knot by pulling both ends evenly.

Pro Tip: Practice tying the knot with different rope diameters to build confidence and skill.

FAQ

What is the Standard Figure 8 Knot used for?

It is used to create a stopper knot that prevents ropes from slipping or unreeving.

Is the Standard Figure 8 Knot easy to untie?

Yes, it is non-jamming and can be untied easily compared to other stopper knots.

How does it compare to the Overhand Knot?

The Figure 8 Knot is stronger, larger, and easier to untie than the Overhand Knot.

Can it be used with slippery ropes?

While effective, advanced stopper knots like the EStar Knot are better for slippery ropes.

Important Notes on Safety

The Standard Figure 8 Knot is reliable for most applications, but caution should be taken when using it for heavy loads or slippery ropes. Always ensure the knot is properly tightened and dressed to prevent unintended loosening.

Know the opening you're blocking: a plain figure-eight only stops a rope if it is bulkier than the gap it has to jam against. It is not big enough for every piece of hardware — a figure-8 descending/rappel device has a wide throat that a plain figure-eight can pull straight through, so close those rope ends with a bulkier stopper (Double Overhand or Stevedore) instead. Animated Knots notes the Double Overhand Stopper is the preferred knot "where safety is paramount." The figure-eight can also shake loose and fall undone under slack or cyclic loading, so leave a generous tail (at least 10 rope diameters) and check it periodically.