Knots

Figure-Eight Knot

The best stopper knot — fast to tie, easy to identify, hard to shake loose.

Beginner

By William Blacklock · Last updated April 2026

When to use this

Any time you need a bulky stopper or a quick fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Stopping a rope end from pulling through a carabiner or pulley
Building a quick loop at the end of a line
Teaching kids their first knot before moving to the bowline

See it done

Step-by-step diagram of a figure-eight knot showing the two crossing passes and the final seated form — Figure-eight knot diagram by Jim Thomas — Wikimedia Commons (GNU FDL)

What you need

One length of rope or paracord

Step by step

1.Hold the rope and make a loop, crossing the working end over the standing line — you should see a figure-six shape.
2.Pass the working end under and around the back of the standing line to close the loop into a figure-eight shape.
3.Thread the working end back through the first loop (from front to back) and pull both ends to seat.
4.The finished knot should show a clear figure-eight shape. If it looks like a pretzel, restart.
5.For a fixed loop (figure-eight on a bight): fold the rope in half to make a bight, then tie the same sequence using both strands.

Pro tips

Identify it by shape before you clip it. A properly tied figure-eight has a clean, symmetrical number-8 silhouette.
Easier to untie than a bowline after being heavily loaded — press on the top loop with your thumb to break the tension.

Common mistakes

Under-tightening. A loose figure-eight can be confused with a grapevine or overhand. Pull both ends firmly.
Tying an overhand knot instead — one pass around is an overhand, two passes make the eight. Count the wraps.

Recommended gear

A short list of what makes this skill easier.

Paracord (50 ft)

Analog companion

Four knots cover almost everything a camper needs to tie. Master each one with a length of paracord at the kitchen table, then bring this card on the trip.

Square Knot

Square (reef) knot — two interlocking half-knots

Cross the right end over the left, then under and back up.
Now cross the left end over the right, then under and back up.
Pull both ends to tighten. The two loops should sit flat against each other.

Use it forJoining two equal-diameter ropes. Tying a bandage. Bundling a rolled tarp.

⚠ Never use for climbing, rescue, or any load that puts a person at risk.

Diagram: Lucasbosch — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Bowline

Make a small loop in the standing line, leaving plenty of working end.
Thread the working end up through the loop, around the standing line, and back down through the same loop.
Pull the standing line and the loop tight. The fixed loop will not slip under load.

Use it forA loop that won't collapse. Securing a rope to a tree. The rescue loop.

Diagram: Lucasbosch — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Taut-Line Hitch

Wrap the working end twice around the standing line on the load side.
Make one more wrap on the other side, then pass the end through and dress the wraps tight.
Slide the hitch along the standing line to adjust tension. It will hold under load.

Use it forAdjustable tension on tent guy lines, tarp ridgelines, food-hang lines.

Diagram: David J. Fred — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Clove Hitch

Pass the rope over the pole, then bring it around and over again, crossing the first wrap.
On the second pass, tuck the working end under the diagonal cross.
Pull both ends tight. The hitch will grip but slip if the pole rotates.

Use it forQuick start or finish on a tarp ridge. Tying off to a stake or pole.

⚠ Don't use for any load that swings or reverses direction.

Diagram: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Camp Knots Reference Card

The four camp knots a kid can master in an afternoon. Diagram, steps, and use case for each — all on one page.

Prefer the full landing page first? See the camp knots reference card.

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