Figure-8 on a Bight

Creates a very strong fixed loop anywhere along a rope's length. The preferred choice for life-safety rigging over the bowline.

1. Double the rope — make the bight

   Find the point on the rope where you want the attachment loop. Fold the rope back on itself to create a bight — a doubled section of rope. Hold both strands together and work with them as one unit from here on.

2. Cross the bight over and thread through

   Swing the bight up and over the two standing strands to create a loop, then bring it around behind the strands and feed it forward through the eye of the loop. This forms the figure-8 shape.

3. Dress and pull to set

   Before fully tightening, dress the knot: make sure all four strands lie neatly parallel with no twists trapped inside. Then pull the bight (loop) to the left and the standing strands to the right simultaneously.

4. Finished — clip and load

   The attachment loop at the end is your load point. Thread a shackle, carabiner, or hook through it. Under load the collar locks tighter. Always inspect the dress before loading.