Achterknoten

Figure-8 Knot

Simple Figure-8

This is the basic version of the figure-eight knot.

Usage:

• To secure the end of a rope after tying a knot (e.g., after a clove hitch or a bowline), so that the rope cannot be pulled back.

Double Figure-Eight

The double figure-eight is tied the same way as the single figure-eight, with the difference that two ropes are used.

Application:

• Joining two ropes (Caution: Do not use this in place of the spire knot or fisherman’s knot!)

Figure-8 Loop

Tied like the double figure-eight knot, with the difference that instead of two ropes, the same rope is doubled to form a loop.

Applications:

• For safety reasons, the tied figure-eight knot is used almost exclusively.

Looped figure-eight

The rope is looped back using a loose, simple figure-eight knot to form a loop. Care must be taken to ensure there is sufficient rope length available. The result is identical to the figure-eight loop. However, the looped figure-eight holds more securely, which is why it is usually used.

Application:

• Attaching a climbing harness to the rope, e.g., when climbing or rappelling. Caution: A carabiner should always be used between the climbing harness and the rope.
• Fixed Loop Around Poles/Trees

Learning Aid

There’s a simple mnemonic to help teach children how to tie a figure-eight knot.

The end of the rope is the “frog” that’s going on a trip.

• The frog jumps across the street. (Place the end of the rope over the rope.)
• The frog burrows under the street. (Pull the end of the rope under the rope.)
• Then the frog jumps into its pond. (Pull the end of the rope through the loop that has formed.)
• Now the frog is happily back home. (The knot is finished.)

To make the “story” more vivid, the end of the rope can be colored green.

Acknowledgments

• Cover image / graphics: Courtesy of the Schinznach Youth Group / Manuel Meier