DIY Secrets

Stopper knots

Figure-Eight Knot

A clear, easy-to-check stopper knot for preventing a rope end from pulling through a hole, ring or fitting.

  • Beginner
  • Stopper knots
  • 2-3 minutes
  • Safety: general

Good for

  • Making a stopper in the end of a rope
  • Preventing a line from slipping through a small opening
  • Adding a visible end knot for general utility

Avoid using it for

  • Climbing instruction or life-safety systems
  • Situations requiring a verified stopper size
  • Permanent rope-end finishing
Diagram placeholder: future step-by-step illustration or 3D knot viewer.

How to tie it

Diagram placeholder: future step-by-step illustration or 3D knot viewer.

  1. Make a loop with the working end crossing over the standing part.
  2. Take the working end around behind the standing part.
  3. Pass it through the first loop.
  4. Dress the knot so it forms a neat figure-eight shape.
  5. Pull the standing part and working end to tighten.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving the stopper too small for the hole or fitting.
  • Pulling it tight before it is dressed neatly.
  • Treating this page as climbing or rescue instruction.

Practical DIY uses

A figure-eight knot is useful as a stopper on a pull cord, light guy line, drawstring or temporary workshop line where the knot remains visible and easy to inspect.

Safety note

This page describes the figure-eight as a general stopper knot only. It is not climbing, rescue or life-safety instruction.

Reference: ABOK #520