How to Tie a Figure Eight Step by Step

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Written Instructions — Figure Eight

Start with working end Hold 10 inches of working end. The standing end goes away from you.
Cross over to make a loop Bring the working end OVER the standing end to form a loop. Working end is now pointing down-behind.
Under and around Continue the working end under the standing part and around behind it from right to left.
Thread up through top loop Pass the working end upward through the original loop from the front. The shape should look like an 8.
Pull tight Pull the standing end and working end apart to tighten. Verify the 8-shape. Check that the crossing points are correct.

The shape should always look exactly like the number 8 — if it doesn't, untie and start again.
In climbing, always tie the figure eight as a follow-through (re-threading) when attaching to a harness.
A figure eight is much easier to untie after heavy loading than an overhand knot.
Check the knot by visual inspection — the crossing of both loops should be clearly visible.