Figure-8 Follow-Through

How to Tie the Figure-8 Follow-Through

1. 1

   Step 1

   Tie a loose figure-8 knot in the rope, leaving roughly 1 metre of working end past the knot.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Thread the working end through both tie-in points on your harness — the lower one first (above the leg loop attachment), then the upper one (under the waistbelt).

3. 3

   Step 3

   Follow the rope back through the figure-8, tracing its exact path in reverse. The working end should mirror every twist and turn of the original figure-8.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Pull both ends to dress the knot. Both legs of the rope should sit parallel through every turn of the figure-8, with no twists.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Tie a stopper knot (overhand or double overhand) on the working end against the main figure-8. Leave at least 5 cm of tail past the stopper.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Do a partner check: harness buckled correctly, knot threaded through both tie-in points, knot dressed cleanly, stopper knot present, belayer's device set correctly with locked carabiner.

Tips for Tying It Well

• The trace step is the critical part. Take your time — the working end should mirror the original figure-8's every turn.
• Always tie in through BOTH the waistbelt and leg-loop tie-in points — never just the belay loop.
• Leave a generous tail (10-15 cm) past the stopper knot. Short tails can pull through under load.
• Get into the habit of partner-checking every climber before they leave the ground. Make it ritual.

Common Mistakes

• Tying in through the belay loop only. The belay loop is for the belay device — never for the rope. Always thread through the harness tie-in points.
• Forgetting the stopper knot. Most gyms will not let you climb without one.
• Crossing the rope strands inside the figure-8 (not following the path cleanly). Cross-strands weaken the knot and make it harder to untie later.
• Skipping the partner check. Even experienced climbers occasionally tie in incorrectly. The check takes 5 seconds and has saved lives.