Figure-8 Stopper
A stopper knot that prevents a rope from running through a block, eye, or fairlead. Bulkier and easier to untie than an overhand.
Form the initial loop
Hold the rope in one hand. With the working end (the tail), make a large loop by bringing it over the standing part — the main line. The working end should now curl back toward you with the loop sitting open to the left.
Wrap around and feed through
Continue the working end around behind the standing part, then feed it forward and up through the loop you just made. The working end enters the loop from below, threading through the eye of the figure-8.
Pull both ends to set the knot
Grip the working end in one hand and the standing part in the other. Pull both firmly in opposite directions. The knot will slide together and tighten into a symmetrical figure-8 shape.
Finished stopper knot
The completed figure-8 stopper sits neatly on the rope with two distinct loops forming the 8-shape. It will not pass through a block, eye, or fairlead under load. Leave at least 4 inches of tail beyond the knot.