Figure-Eight Knot
The figure-eight knot is a simple stopper knot used to prevent the end of a rope or cord from slipping through a suitably sized opening. It is easy to tie, recognisable by its distinctive shape and generally easier to untie after loading than an overhand knot. It is a useful basic skill for bushcraft, campcraft and learning ropework, but it is not suitable for climbing or life-support applications.
- Knot type
- Stopper knot
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best for
- Preventing the end of a rope or cord from passing through an opening
- Cordage
- Suitable rope or cord that can be tied into the required shape
- Main advantage
- Straightforward to tie and generally easier to untie than an overhand knot after loading
- Main limitation
- It is not a substitute for a purpose-designed attachment or safety knot
Step 1 of 3
The figure-eight knot is a simple, reliable stopper knot that every bushcrafter should know. Its name comes from the distinctive shape it creates in the rope, resembling the number eight.
Unlike a basic overhand knot, the figure-eight has a more recognisable shape and is generally easier to untie after being loaded. It creates a noticeable bulge in the rope, helping prevent the end from slipping through a suitably sized opening or attachment point.
You’ll find it useful when working with cordage around camp, practising fundamental rope skills or preparing lines for simple outdoor tasks. It is easy to learn, requires no additional equipment and can be tied in a matter of seconds once you’ve practised a few times.
Uses
The figure-eight knot is particularly useful when learning to manage rope and cordage around a campsite. Although it is a simple knot, understanding where and why to use it helps develop good habits that carry over into more advanced ropework.
One of its main uses is to prevent the end of a cord from slipping through an opening. For example, you might tie one at the end of a line that passes through a suitably sized hole or fitting, provided the knot is appropriate for the task and cannot pull through.
It can also be used as a temporary end knot when organising cordage for camp projects. A stopper knot gives you a clear, bulky end that is easier to locate and handle than loose cord, although it should not replace proper storage methods where tangling or snagging could cause problems.
The knot is also valuable for practising ropework. Its distinctive shape makes it easy to inspect, allowing beginners to learn how to form, dress and tighten a knot correctly before progressing to more complicated techniques.
For general campcraft, the figure-eight is worth adding to your basic knot repertoire alongside the bowline, clove hitch and round turn and two half hitches. Each serves a different purpose, and knowing when to choose the right knot is more useful than memorising a long list without understanding their applications.
Common mistakes
Tying an overhand knot by mistake is one of the easiest errors to make when learning the figure-eight. Both knots begin with a simple crossing movement, but the finished shapes are different. Check that your rope forms a recognisable eight before tightening it.
Another common mistake is pulling the knot tight before arranging the turns properly. If the rope crosses over itself in the wrong places, the finished knot can become awkward to inspect and may be harder to untie. Take a moment to dress the knot before applying tension.
Using too little working end can also make tying difficult. Leave enough rope to complete the movements comfortably and ensure the finished knot has a suitable tail.
Finally, avoid assuming that a correctly tied knot is automatically suitable for every task. A figure-eight stopper knot is designed to create a bulky end, not to serve as a universal attachment point.
The standard figure-eight stopper knot is useful for general cordage work, but it must not be relied upon as a climbing, fall-arrest or life-support knot simply because it is secure when tied correctly.
Its suitability depends on the rope, the load, the opening it is intended to stop the rope passing through and the consequences of failure. A stopper knot may pull through an opening that is too large, and a knot that becomes heavily loaded may be difficult to remove.
For critical applications, use the appropriate equipment and a knot specifically recommended for that purpose, following the manufacturer's instructions or qualified guidance.