| Creates | A loop in a bight of rope |
| Shares | Figure-eight strength & visibility |
| Used for | Clipping anchors, master points |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
A figure eight on a bight is a figure-eight knot tied in a loop (bight) of rope rather than the end, creating a strong, easy-to-inspect loop anywhere along the rope. Climbers use it to clip into anchors, attach to the middle of a rope, and build master points.
How it differs from the follow-through
The follow-through is rethreaded through your harness to tie in; the on-a-bight version is tied in a doubled section to make a clip-in loop without the rope end.
What it’s for
Clipping into an anchor, creating a master point, or tying into the middle of the rope.
Good to know
Same strength and inspectability as any figure-eight — see all climbing knots.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a figure eight on a bight and a follow-through?
A follow-through is rethreaded around something — like your harness — to tie in, while a figure eight on a bight is tied in a doubled section of rope to make a clip-in loop without using the end. Both produce the same strong, inspectable figure-eight shape.
What is a figure eight on a bight used for?
Clipping yourself into an anchor with a carabiner, creating a master point, tying into the middle of a rope, and any time you need a secure loop somewhere along the rope rather than at the end.
Is a figure eight on a bight strong?
Yes — it retains the figure-eight family's high strength and is easy to inspect, which is why it's a go-to loop knot for clipping into anchors and building belays.
Sources
- Essential climbing knots — American Alpine Club