How To Tie Double Figure 8 Knot

Do you want to know how to tie a double figure eight knot? The double figure eight knot--or figure eight follow-through knot--is the one knot you need to know to attach yourself to a protected climbing line. The steps to tie it are quite simple; however, you should practice it several times to memorize the steps and make it come mechanically.

What you need to tie a double figure eight knot:

• A rope. For practice purposes. Five-feet will be enough.
• A harness. Again, for practice only. You can do with a belt or any loop on your pants.

1. Form a single figure eight three-feet away from the end of the rope. The figure eight can be formed by taking a bite on the rope and raising it vertically. Then twist the rope a whole turn clockwise and make the end of the rope go through the gate.
2. Feed the loose end of the rope through your harness' belay loop until the figure eight is two-inches away from the harness.
3. Re-thread the figure eight with the loose end of the rope starting from the side closer to you. Both lines must describe the same trajectory: parallel.
4. Tighten the knot. If there's a section of rope remaining, you can tie a stopper knot with it.

Remember to build yourself a routine for tying this knot. However simple it may seem, it is absolutely critical when climbing, so make sure you tie the knot right.