Learn How To Tie A Directional figure 8 Knot - WhyKnot

Knot tying video tutorial. Learn how to make a directional figure eight knot. Easy step by step instructions for tying a directional figure eight knot in this simple guide.

The directional figure eight or inline figure eight knot is knot number 1058 in The Ashley Book of Knots (AboK). Ashley refers to it as a single bowline on the bight. This knot is part of the figure eight family of knots. It is a unique type of figure eight on the bight used to create a directional loop in the middle of a rope.

Use/Application:
It is sometimes used in rock climbing as a component of anchorage systems for rappel. It is more often used in rope rescue to build mechanical advantage haulage systems since the knot has a nice configuration that lies in the direction of the rope. Arborists and tree workers and climbers also use this knot for a similar purpose. That is to build mechanical advantage systems in their rigging. Can also be used as the midline loop (rope pulley) in a truckers hitch. Can be used to make loops for hand holds.

Advantages:
Quickly tied with a nice run of the rope.

Disadvantages:
Under extreme loading the knot can be hard to untie. It can only be loaded in one direction. If the loop is loaded in the opposite direction the knot capsizes, which can lead to failure.

Related knots:
Figure eight knot

Figure eight on a bight

Figure nine loop

Figure eight bend

Figure eight follow through or retrace

Double figure eight loop or bunny ears

If you like this sort of thing I would love to have you aboard. Here we talk about functional knots, decorative knots and have fun with loops of string.

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[TheBCSledder]

Nice tutorial! I have been struggling with this knot for some reason and this helped a ton.

[ryanivan]

Can the the rope also be loaded farther down? Similar to three way loads?

[JustCallMeChad]

any issues with loading on the line below the loop?

[danhle]

any reason to use this knot over an alpine or farmer's? it seems limited in its versatility and would need to offer much more strength in that one direction

[marka.denham]

No matter how many times I try this it never comes out the same. V Frustrating!