Usage: A Figure Eight Loop is used in climbing and caving where rope strains are light to moderate and for decorative purposes. The Figure Eight Loop is used to put a fixed loop in the end of a rope, or around an object. It is relatively easy to tie and is secure, but can become difficult to untie after heavy loading, and can jam badly in any rope type. The follow-through (re-thread) method is used when the knot must be tied around an object that cannot easily have a loop slipped over it. In particular, it is used to attach a rope to a climbing harness. The Double Bowline accomplishes the same task, can be tied faster, and does not jam however the Figure Eight Loop is easier to teach to beginners and quickly verify that it has been tied correctly.

Also known as:

• Flemish Loop

Related:

• Figure Eight Knot
• Double Bowline

ABOK: 1047

Classification: Loop

Structure: One can easily make a loop by doubling the rope, then tying the standard Figure Eight knot. If the loop has to be made around a post or through a ring, and only one end of the rope is available, the follow-through (also known as the re-threaded) method is used by tying a loose figure eight knot in the rope, then putting the working end around the object. The working end is retraced through the original figure eight knot to form a double figure eight.