Rope Wranglers · Lesson 3 · Clear Steps
Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Lesson 3: Figure-Eight Follow-Through

Welcome to Lesson 3 of your outdoor rock climbing journey! You’ve learned about the thrill of outdoor climbing and the gear you’ll need. This week, we’re zeroing in on the most essential knot for top rope climbing: the figure-eight follow-through. You’ll also learn how to check it as “well dressed” and how to handle your rope like a pro. Let’s tie in and get started!

Completed figure-eight follow-through tied into a harness
Coiled climbing rope
8

The Figure-Eight Follow-Through Knot

Purpose

To attach the rope to the harness through the “hard points” of the harness that won’t come untied while you climb or lower but can be untied when you are ready.

Why It’s Strong

It’s strong under load, won’t come undone, and is easy for you and your partner to double-check.

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How to Tie:

About 3 feet from the rope’s end, tie a single figure-eight knot:

Figure-eight step 1
1

From the end of the rope (working end) measure out 3 feet, finger tips to shoulder.

Drop the working end of the rope.

Figure-eight step 2Figure-eight step 3
2-3

Make a loop in the rope by twisting once to the left. Twist the rope one more time to the left. You should have a loop with two twist below it.

Figure-eight step 4
4

Pass the working-end through the face of the loop facing you, forming an “8” shape.

Figure-eight step 5
5

Pull to tighten slightly.

5.5 (Not Shown)

Thread the rope’s end through your harness’s tie-in points “Hard Points” (check your harness manual—usually both the waist and leg loop tie-in points). Called “hard points” because they are reinforced with extra material to protect against the friction that the rope has on the harness or other “soft goods”.

5.75 (Not Shown)

Pull the end of the rope through the “hard points” so your figure-eight knot is about 2 inches from your belay loop.

6, 7, 8, 9   Retrace the Figure 8
Figure-eight step 6
6
Start Hard
Figure-eight step 7
7
Pull end through and follow on outside
Figure-eight step 8
8
Retrace along outside of figure 8
Figure-eight step 9
9
Finish easy.
Figure-eight step 10
10

Pull the knot tight “dressing the knot”, ensuring it’s snug against the harness.

Figure-eight step 11
11

Leave at least 6 inches of tail.

Large completed figure-eight follow-through tied in to harness
✓

How to Check:

How to check a figure-eight follow-through
  • Look for five pairs of parallel strands in the figure-eight knot (two strands per pair, running side by side).
  • Ensure the knot is attached to the harness at both “Hard Points” of the harness with no loose loops.
  • Confirm the tail is at least 6 inches long.
  • Have your partner inspect the knot before climbing to catch any mistakes.
Safety Note: A mis-tied or unfinished knot can be dangerous. Always double-check your knot and have your partner verify it before climbing.
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Rope Handling & Care

Your rope is your lifeline, so proper handling and care are crucial:

Coiled rope
Caring for Your Rope:
Inspect for cuts exposing the core, excessive fraying, or soft spots before and after every use.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and chemicals (e.g., gasoline or battery acid).
Wash with mild soap and water if dirty, and air dry (never in a dryer).
Avoid stepping on the rope as it can grind dirt into the fibers and weakens it.
Safety Note: Retire a rope if it has significant damage, a flat or soft core, or has taken a severe fall (check manufacturer’s guidelines). When in doubt, replace it.
Don’t trust your first knot alone. Learn it hands-on →
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Practical Exercise: Knot Practice & Rope Care

Challenge: Grab a piece of rope or cord (a shoelace works for practice) and tie the figure-eight follow-through knot at least 10 times. Time yourself to see how quickly you can tie it correctly. Check each knot for five parallel strand pairs, a 6-inch tail, and a stopper knot.

Reflection: After practicing, journal or discuss: How confident do you feel tying the figure-eight? What was tricky? How can you make checking the knot a habit?

Safety Practice: Inspect your practice rope or cord for wear or damage. If you don’t have a rope, watch a video on rope inspection (search “climbing rope inspection” on YouTube) and note one key thing to look for.

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Additional Resources

Youtube video on how to tie a figure 8 follow through knot, click here.

Animated How to video, click here.

More reading, click here.