How to Tie Figure 8 Follow Through Knot

Introduction

The figure 8 follow-through knot is one of those essential knots that’s super handy, whether you're into climbing, doing rescue work, or need a strong knot for whatever you’re up to. As a fireman, I always use this knot, and I will show you how to tie it step by step.

What You’ll Need

1. Rope: Any sturdy rope will do for practice. Climbing rope works great.
2. Harness (optional): If you want to see how this knot works in a climbing or rescue situation.
3. Carabiner (optional): Useful for attaching the knot to a harness or anchor.

1. No Tools Required
2. You need your hands and some rope!

What You’ll Need

1. Rope: Any sturdy rope will do for practice. Climbing rope works great.
2. Harness (optional): If you want to see how this knot works in a climbing or rescue situation.
3. Carabiner (optional): Useful for attaching the knot to a harness or anchor.

2. Make the First Loop

1. What to Do: Take the rope's working end (the shorter end) and cross it over the longer part to make a loop.
2. Tip: Don’t make the loop too big or too small—just right so you can work with it quickly.
3. Visual (If you are training someone how to do it) Show the loop with the rope crossing over.
4. What to Do: Wrap the working end under the longer part, then bring it back over and through the loop to make a figure 8 shape.
5. Tip: You should see a clear figure 8. If it looks messy, try again.
6. Visual (If you are training someone how to do it): Show the finished figure 8 shape.

3. Thread It Through Your Anchor or Harness

1. What to Do: Pass the working end of the rope through whatever you’re tying to—a harness, carabiner, or anchor point.
2. Tip: Make sure everything is straight and not twisted.
3. Visual(If you are training someone how to do it): Show the rope going through a harness or anchor.

4. Follow the Figure 8 Path

1. What to Do: Take the working end and follow the path of the original figure 8 knot. Just trace it with the rope, keeping it snug.
2. Tip: Make sure the rope stays next to the original knot as you go.
3. Visual(If you are training someone how to do it): Show the rope tracing the figure 8, maybe with arrows to show the path.

5. Tighten the Knot

1. What to Do: Keep threading the rope until you’ve followed the whole figure 8, then pull both ends to tighten it up.
2. Tip: Make sure the knot is tight and neat, with no slack.
3. Visual(If you are training someone how to do it): Show the completed, tightened figure 8 follow-through knot.

6. Double-Check Your Work

1. What to Do: Take a good look at the knot to make sure it’s tied correctly. The follow-through should be a perfect mirror of the original figure 8.
2. Tip: Look for twists or areas where the rope isn’t snug. Add a safety knot for extra security.

Conclusion

And that’s it—you’ve tied a figure 8 follow-through knot! This knot is solid, reliable, and perfect for situations where safety is critical, like climbing or rescue work.

A Few Extra Tips:

1. Try practicing with gloves on, like in a rescue scenario.
2. Experiment with different ropes to see how the knot holds up.
3. Always double-check your knot before using it, mainly when safety depends on it.
4. This knot is designed to go around or through an object. It has many uses and purposes. It can be used as a rescue knot for repelling or rock climbing, as well as for anchoring a boat to a dock.