How to Tie a Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot

Step 1: Tie a Single Figure-8 Knot

First tie a single Figure-8 knot in a loose end of the climbing rope.

Stewart M. Green

The Figure-8 Follow-Through, also called the Flemish Bend and Figure-8 Trace, is the most important knot to learn as a climber. This is the best knot to tie the rope into your harness since it is the strongest climbing knot. It is also easy to check visually to make sure it is tied correctly since each side is a clone of the other. You can tell at a glance if it’s right. We use this knot, I tell my guiding clients, because it won’t come untied and only gets tighter when the rope is weighted.

To begin, pick up a loose end of the rope. Tie a single Figure 8 knot between two and three feet from the rope's end.

Index: How to Tie a Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot

1. Step 1: Tie a Single Figure-8 Knot
2. Step 2: How to Tie a Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot
3. Step 3: How to Tie a Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot
4. Step 4: How to Tie a Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot