Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
In this week’s “Knot of the Week” video, I dove into the figure eight knot, a classic and essential stopper knot that’s been around for centuries. It’s often the very first knot I teach beginners because it’s not only simple to learn but incredibly reliable. The figure eight is part of the stopper knot family—knots that are tied at the end of a rope to prevent it from slipping through a hole, pulley, or device like a cleat or belay tool. Compared to the overhand knot, which is similar in structure, the figure eight is longer and more secure, making it the better choice in most cases.
As I demonstrate in the video, tying the figure eight is straightforward. I start by making a loop near the end of the rope. Then I take the working end, pass it around the standing part, and feed it through the original loop. Once I pull it tight, the result is a neat, symmetrical knot that holds firmly in place. I love how versatile this knot is—it’s used in climbing, arborist work, sailing, camping, and even everyday tasks at home. And it’s not just a knot on its own; it serves as a foundation for many others, like the figure 8 loop, the figure 8 bend, and even the one-way knot.
That said, I always caution folks to consider the rope material they’re working with. The figure eight holds well in natural fiber ropes, but when it comes to synthetic ropes like nylon or Spectra, it can slip or become very difficult to untie after heavy strain. This knot is even officially recognized in the Ashley Book of Knots (knot #520 on page 85), which adds to its credibility and historical significance. If you're just starting out or looking to expand your knot-tying skills, I encourage you to check out Knot School. With a free 14-day trial, it’s a great way to access detailed tutorials and join a community that loves knots as much as I do.
Hey, everyone. I appreciate your support and interest in my videos. If you want to connect further, here are my links:
You can get a copy of my book, 'Design Your Life for Peak Outdoor Experiences' ▶ amazon.com/dp/B0DHV37836
Explore Further the Outdoor Lifestyle newsletter ▶ substack.com/@explorefurther
KnotSkool ▶ knotskool.com
The 50 Knot Journal ▶ amzn.to/3rQ4QXJ
Thanks
Discover easy how to tie knots, life hacks, paracord bracelets, crafts, how to make, DIY, do it yourself, creative ideas, DIY crafts, home made, hand made, tips and tricks, creative experiments, easy way, useful things, household material hacks and more, that useful for daily life. Let's explore, create, and share the joy of knots together!
==========================
Check out these following popular and useful knot videos!🔥 Perfect for enhancing your skills and making your projects a success. Don't miss out!
1. Eight Knots EVERYONE should know! | The BEST KNOTS
youtu.be/Q9ruvjEDvTg
2. The Most Important Knot Video You Will Watch This Year!
youtu.be/3YYhkQ999vw
3. How to tie a ROPE ZIP TIE? | A Woodland Zip Tie Knot
youtu.be/JaLyC-h09k0
==========================
Join this channel to get full access ▶ https://rb.gy/o7qh0
The 50 Knot Journal ▶ amzn.to/3rQ4QXJ [Affiliate]
GREAT PRODUCT RESOURCES
Get FREE SHIPPING! Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial (Fast, FREE shipping and more!) ▶ amazon.com/tryprimefree?tag=trailguidepic-20
Buy Great Quality Paracord Here ▶ amzn.to/3LPkSYu [Affiliate]
Paracord Bracelet Buckles: amzn.to/3m0CiC5
Knotter's Tool ▶ amzn.to/46mqnX4 [Affiliate]
Paracord Lacing Needles ▶ amzn.to/3tmpmzu [Affiliate]
Paracord Jig ▶ amzn.to/3RIPyyt [Affiliate]
Paracord/Rope Lighter ▶ amzn.to/2GV664q
Ashley Book of Knots ▶ amzn.to/34Q8oK6
Little Book of Incredibly Useful Knots ▶ amzn.to/3Q7icrZ
The 50 Knot Journal ▶ amzn.to/3rQ4QXJ [Affiliate]
In this week’s “Knot of the Week” video, I dove into the figure eight knot, a classic and essential stopper knot that’s been around for centuries. It’s often the very first knot I teach beginners because it’s not only simple to learn but incredibly reliable. The figure eight is part of the stopper knot family—knots that are tied at the end of a rope to prevent it from slipping through a hole, pulley, or device like a cleat or belay tool. Compared to the overhand knot, which is similar in structure, the figure eight is longer and more secure, making it the better choice in most cases.
As I demonstrate in the video, tying the figure eight is straightforward. I start by making a loop near the end of the rope. Then I take the working end, pass it around the standing part, and feed it through the original loop. Once I pull it tight, the result is a neat, symmetrical knot that holds firmly in place. I love how versatile this knot is—it’s used in climbing, arborist work, sailing, camping, and even everyday tasks at home. And it’s not just a knot on its own; it serves as a foundation for many others, like the figure 8 loop, the figure 8 bend, and even the one-way knot.
That said, I always caution folks to consider the rope material they’re working with. The figure eight holds well in natural fiber ropes, but when it comes to synthetic ropes like nylon or Spectra, it can slip or become very difficult to untie after heavy strain. This knot is even officially recognized in the Ashley Book of Knots (knot #520 on page 85), which adds to its credibility and historical significance. If you're just starting out or looking to expand your knot-tying skills, I encourage you to check out Knot School. With a free 14-day trial, it’s a great way to access detailed tutorials and join a community that loves knots as much as I do.
Hey, everyone. I appreciate your support and interest in my videos. If you want to connect further, here are my links:
You can get a copy of my book, 'Design Your Life for Peak Outdoor Experiences' ▶ amazon.com/dp/B0DHV37836
Explore Further the Outdoor Lifestyle newsletter ▶ substack.com/@explorefurther
KnotSkool ▶ knotskool.com
The 50 Knot Journal ▶ amzn.to/3rQ4QXJ
Thanks
Discover easy how to tie knots, life hacks, paracord bracelets, crafts, how to make, DIY, do it yourself, creative ideas, DIY crafts, home made, hand made, tips and tricks, creative experiments, easy way, useful things, household material hacks and more, that useful for daily life. Let's explore, create, and share the joy of knots together!
==========================
Check out these following popular and useful knot videos!🔥 Perfect for enhancing your skills and making your projects a success. Don't miss out!
1. Eight Knots EVERYONE should know! | The BEST KNOTS
youtu.be/Q9ruvjEDvTg
2. The Most Important Knot Video You Will Watch This Year!
youtu.be/3YYhkQ999vw
3. How to tie a ROPE ZIP TIE? | A Woodland Zip Tie Knot
youtu.be/JaLyC-h09k0
==========================
Join this channel to get full access ▶ https://rb.gy/o7qh0
The 50 Knot Journal ▶ amzn.to/3rQ4QXJ [Affiliate]
GREAT PRODUCT RESOURCES
Get FREE SHIPPING! Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial (Fast, FREE shipping and more!) ▶ amazon.com/tryprimefree?tag=trailguidepic-20
Buy Great Quality Paracord Here ▶ amzn.to/3LPkSYu [Affiliate]
Paracord Bracelet Buckles: amzn.to/3m0CiC5
Knotter's Tool ▶ amzn.to/46mqnX4 [Affiliate]
Paracord Lacing Needles ▶ amzn.to/3tmpmzu [Affiliate]
Paracord Jig ▶ amzn.to/3RIPyyt [Affiliate]
Paracord/Rope Lighter ▶ amzn.to/2GV664q
Ashley Book of Knots ▶ amzn.to/34Q8oK6
Little Book of Incredibly Useful Knots ▶ amzn.to/3Q7icrZ
The 50 Knot Journal ▶ amzn.to/3rQ4QXJ [Affiliate]
