Expand Your Knotting Skills: Figure 8 knot, 1 knot 4 variations!

Опубликовано: 12 Июль 2026
на канале: Wooden Shoes Knots and Climbing
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The figure eight knot is a simple basic knot that is easy to learn. But did you know that by learning this basic knot it opens the possibility to actually tie 4 different knots? By learning this one knot you have 3 practical knotting skills in you knotting toolbox. Tying ropes together, creating a stopper knot to prevent a rope from slipping through a hole and also the skill to tie a loop in a knot. By remembering this one basic figure of eight knot you can tie the Flemish bend, the Figure eight follow through, The figure eight stopper knot and the Figure eight mid line loop.

The Figure eight stopper knot.
The figure-eight stopper knot is a type of knot used to prevent the end of a rope from slipping through a hole or an opening in a piece of equipment. This is the basic knot in this series. It's called a "stopper" knot because its primary purpose is to act as a stopper, preventing the rope from passing through a designated point. The figure-eight stopper knot is known for its simplicity, security, and ease of untying after being loaded.
The figure-eight stopper knot is commonly used in various outdoor activities such as climbing, sailing, camping, and boating. It's often employed as a backup knot to secure the end of a rope, preventing it from slipping through pulleys, carabiners, or the eye of a sail. This knot is valued for its reliability and ease of untying, making it a popular choice in situations where safety and security are paramount.

The Flemish bend
When you tie the basic figure eight stopper knot and then retrace it with another end of rope you create a way to tie two ropes together. This is called the Flemish bend.
It is a secure and strong knot that is also known for being relatively easy to untie, especially when compared to some other types of bends.
The Flemish Bend is commonly used in activities like rock climbing, sailing, and other situations where a strong and reliable knot is needed to join two ropes together. It's important to ensure that the wraps are snug and that the knot is tightened properly to maintain its strength. Additionally, the Flemish Bend is known for being relatively easy to untie, which can be an advantage in situations where the knot needs to be undone after being loaded.

The Figure eight follow through
This is the knot that is most used in climbing. Its the tie-in go to knot for rock climbing. It is basically the Flemish bend but the not retraced with another piece of rope but with a tail end of the same rope.
It's primarily used to securely attach a rope to a climbing harness or anchor point. The Figure Eight Follow Through creates a strong and reliable connection that is relatively easy to tie and inspect.
The Figure Eight Follow Through is a crucial knot in climbing because it provides a secure attachment point between the climber and the rope. It distributes the load evenly across the knot and is relatively easy to untie after being loaded, making it a popular choice among climbers for its reliability and simplicity. Proper training and practice are essential for tying and inspecting this knot correctly to ensure safety during climbing activities.

The Figure eight mid-line loop.
This is also a variation of the basic figure eight stopper knot but then tied on a bight. You can tie it anywhere in the rope without the need to have access to the tail end.
The Figure-Eight Mid-Line Loop is used in a variety of applications, including climbing, sailing, rescue operations, and general-purpose rope work. Its primary advantage is its ability to create a secure loop that doesn't weaken the rope significantly. It's particularly useful in situations where a loop needs to be created in the middle of a rope without cutting it. This knot is valued for its reliability and simplicity, making it a popular choice in various outdoor activities and professional settings.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:22 Figure Eight Stopper knot
0:56 Flemish bend
2:05 Figure eight mid line loop
3:04 Figure eight follow through

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