The Figure 8 Follow Through Loop is a classic way to create a Figure 8 loop.
It’s a go-to tie-in knot for connecting rope to a ring, a carabiner, or your own harness.
Why? It’s easy to tie, untie, remember, and double-check.
Let’s check it in detail.
Figure 8 Follow Through Loop Details
Type: Loop
Other Names: Trace Eight Knot, Figure Eight Re-thread
ABoK Reference: #1047
How to Tie the Figure 8 Follow Through Loop
- Tie a loose Figure 8 knot and wrap it around the anchor (harness or ring).
- Thread the tail back through the knot, following the rope’s original path. First, pass it through both loops.
- Then, pass it through the upper loop.
- Take it behind the upper loop again.
- Pass it next to the upper line through the lower loop and parallel to the standing end.
- Pull each rope ends to tighten.
Getting it Dressed RIGHT
Wondering if you tied this knot correctly?
It’s simple: if it resembles a Figure 8, you’ve tied it correctly.
Here’s what you can check:
- Check for three sets of parallel strands next to each other on both sides.
- All strands should be tidy and parallel with no crossing or twisting.
- Tighten by pulling all four strands coming out of the knot.
If your knot has a crossed strand, it does not make the knot any weaker.
A properly dressed and tightened knot makes the untying much easier.
I have written a dedicated guide on how to tie the perfect Figure 8 Follow through Knot. Don’t forget to check it out.
Tail Length Matters
The length of tail should be of proper size—not too SHORT not too LONG.
It should be running up out the top of the knot with at least 6 inches (15 cm) of excess.
If you end up with a too short or a too lng tail, here’s what you should do:
- If you end up with a short tail length, there is a chance of the extra rope sliding through the knot and reducing the integrity of the knot. So, it’s better to start over and tie the knot again.
- If your tail is longer, you can tie a backup knot and manage the excess length.
Note: The backup knot on a Figure 8 Follow Through does not increase the security of the knot per se. So, it should never be used as a replacement for the safety.
PRO TIP: Try Yosemite Finish
It is one of the common techniques to dress the knot clean and tidy.
After the knot is dressed and there are no crossings and twists present, the final tag end is tucked back into the knot.
Should You Tie a Backup Knot?
YES and NO.
This is a hot debate in the climbing world.
People always argue if we should dress the knot well or tie a backup knot.
If tied and dressed properly with enough tail, the Figure 8 Follow Through does not need a backup knot.
But, if you want extra security, tie an Overhand knot or Single Fisherman’s knot.
That said, the backup knot should never be a substitute for safety. It does not increase the security of the main knot.
Related Article: Should you tie a backup knot
Strength
The Figure 8 follow through is one of the strongest tie in knot.
According to Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills, it retains 75- 80 % of the rope’s original strength.
It’s pretty secure enough.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong and reliable.
- Easy to tie and double-check.
Cons
- It can jam and be hard to untie after bearing weight.
Applications and Uses
Figure 8 follow through is one of the most used knots in climbing. It’s the knot every climber should learn to tie.
It creates a loop at the end of the rope that is used to attach a rope to a harness.
Not only climbing, it can be used for other applications as well.
It’s used in boating to dock a boat to a post.
Arborists and firefighters also use this knot to tie ropes around trees and other objects.
Other Similar Knots
Double Bowline
The Double Bowline is one of the tie in knots recommended for climbing beside Figure 8 Follow Through loop.
This knot is not widely known or used as the Figure 8. In fact, many climbers may not know how to check this knot.
It needs more time and skill to inspect if it is tied correctly—even for experts.
Figure 8 on a Bight
The Figure 8 on a bight forms a Figure 8 loop. So, these knots are identical, but their uses are different.
It’s used when we don’t need to thread the loop, or don’t have access to the ends of a rope.
Directional Figure 8
The Directional Figure 8 is used to hold load in a particular direction only.
It’s used when the load is parallel to the rope and not otherwise.
It’s commonly used to make makeshift handholds or attachment point midrope while climbing.
Double Figure 8 Knot
The Double Figure 8 knot has two loops (also known as Bunny ears) instead of one in the standard Figure 8 loop.
It’s used in anchor setups for equalizing the anchors.
Figure 8 Bend
The Figure 8 bend is one of the ways to join two ropes together.
It’s tied like a rewoven Figure 8 knot and should not be confused with Figure 8 on a bight.
In fact, we deplore using Figure 8 on a bight for joining two ropes together.
If you have any tips or thoughts, Share them below!
