Figure-of-eight loop

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Figure-of-eight loop

Names	Figure-of-eight loop, Flemish loop
Category	loop
Related	figure-of-eight knot, flemish bend
Typical use	sailing, climbing, camping, caving
ABoK	#1047

A figure-of-eight loop (also Flemish loop) is a type of knot created by a loop on the bight. It is used in sailing, climbing, camping, and caving.

The double figure eight is used to put a 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.

[edit] Tying methods

A figure-of-eight loop tied using the follow-through method.

One can easily make a loop using a double figure eight knot by doubling the rope, then tying the standard figure-of-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 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.

The follow-through 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 double bowline has closely related knots that can capsize, so many climbers prefer the figure-of-eight as it is less likely to be miss-tied. In addition, like many variants of the figure-of-eight knot, it can be easily visually inspected.However the Figure of Eight Knot is prone to extreme jamming.