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Course Prep

How To Tie A Flat Figure 8 Knot

Learn how to tie the initial figure-eight knot with MSAA, using two crossings and a final pass-through to begin a figure-eight follow-through.

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Video Transcript

Hey, it’s Corey with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures. I’m an ACMG Apprentice Guide, and I’m here to teach you some knots today.

All right, this is the flat figure-eight and the starting step of our figure-eight follow-through.

I start with my measured bight. I bring the rope over once and pinch it at the crossing. Holding it here makes the rest of the knot much easier to tie.

Then I come around to create a second crossing in the rope. I feed it through the top opening, and there’s my figure-eight.

Instructor Tutorial: Tying the Initial Figure-Eight Knot

In this tutorial, Corey, an ACMG Apprentice Guide with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures, demonstrates the initial figure-eight knot used to begin a figure-eight follow-through.

The lesson focuses on forming the first crossing, holding it in place, creating the second crossing and passing the rope through the opening to complete the figure-eight shape.

Step 1: Prepare Your Measured Bight

Begin with the measured section of rope and form the bight shown in the video. A bight is a bend in the rope.

Allow enough rope to complete the later follow-through steps and leave the required tail. Use the starting measurement taught by your instructor.

Step 2: Make the First Crossing and Pinch It

Bring the rope across itself to create the first crossing.

Pinch that crossing to hold it in place. Corey explains that maintaining this grip makes the remaining movements easier to follow and keeps the developing knot organized.

Step 3: Create the Second Crossing

Bring the rope around as demonstrated to create the second crossing.

Keep the first crossing controlled while you make this movement so the knot retains its shape.

Step 4: Feed the Rope Through the Top Opening

Pass the rope through the top opening shown in the video.

This completes the initial figure-eight shape and prepares you for the next stages of the figure-eight follow-through.

Final Check

Before continuing, confirm that:

  • The crossings and final pass-through match the demonstration.
  • The rope forms a recognizable figure-eight shape.
  • Enough rope remains to thread the harness, retrace the knot and leave the required finished tail.

Safety Note

This lesson covers the starting knot. Completing a harness tie-in also requires threading the correct harness attachment points, retracing the figure-eight, dressing and tightening the finished knot, and carrying out the final checks.

Learn and practise the full sequence with a qualified climbing professional, following the instructions for your harness and rope.

Continue with our figure-eight follow-through tutorial for the remaining steps.