Figure-of-Eight Knot

The figure-of-eight is a stopper knot tied in a rope’s end to keep it from running out through a block, fairlead, or sheet car. The working end crosses over the standing part, passes behind it, and returns through the first bight, forming an 8 shape. It jams less and unties more easily after loading than a simple overhand knot, which is why it is the standard stopper on running rigging. The same knot doubled (the figure-eight on a bight) and the figure-eight bend are core climbing and rescue knots.