'Essential Knots: Figure-8 on a Bight' is part of the book - Sport Climbing Basics.
![VDiff learn to sport climb e-book book](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/e-books/vdiff-sport-front-cover-mini.png)
The figure-8 on a bight is used for:
- Attaching the rope to a belay anchor
- Creating a master point in a cordelette or sling
- Attaching yourself to the rope when cleaning an anchor
![how to tie the figure 8 bight](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/trad/figure-eight-bight/figure-eight-bight-3.png)
How to Tie the Figure-8 on a Bight
Step 1
Form an ‘8’ shape in the rope as shown.
![how to tie the figure 8 on a bight](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/trad/figure-eight-bight/figure-eight-bight-1.png)
Step 2
Push the end of the rope through the top part of the 8.
![figure 8 on a bight](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/trad/figure-eight-bight/figure-eight-bight-2.png)
Step 3
Pull it tight.
![tie figure-8 on a bight](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/trad/figure-eight-bight/figure-eight-bight-3.png)
Stopper Knot
Make sure to add a stopper knot when tying a figure-8 in the end of a rope.
![tie figure-8 on a bight](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/trad/figure-eight-bight/figure-eight-bight-4.png)
Warning:
Figure-8’s are designed to be end-loaded (pulled along the line of the knot).
![tie figure-8 on a bight climbing](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/trad/figure-eight-bight/figure-eight-bight-5.png)
If you load the loop in two opposing directions, the knot can roll over itself and lose strength or fail completely. For this reason, you should never use the figure-8 to join ropes for abseiling. Use the overhand knot instead.
![tie figure-8 on a bight climbing](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/trad/figure-eight-bight/figure-eight-bight-6.png)
Tying Into the Middle of a Rope
You can use a variation of the figure-8 to tie into the middle of a rope. Tie in to the rope with a figure-8 as normal, but use a bight of rope instead. Clip the final loop into your belay loop to complete the knot.
![tie to middle of rope](https://www.vdiffclimbing.com/wp-content/images/trad/figure-eight-bight/figure-eight-bight-7.png)