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Figure Eight Knots

Description: Figure Eight Knots can be tied singly or in sennits (chains). The designs on this page are tied as single knots.

These knots are sometimes used to decorate or finish the cords in Macrame projects. They can be doubled if you want to use them as focal knots in something like a bracelet or belt. The third and fourth designs on this page can be made with rope to create small rugs.

The 8 shape is a historical Celtic symbol that represents the concepts of eternity, unity and love. The cord twists and curves in such a way the eyes are deceived, so it appears endless.

The Figure Eight Medallion and the Endless Figure Eight are not official knots. They are variations of the basic knot.

Four types of knots are described on this page:

Basic Figure Eight
Extended Figure Eight
Figure Eight Medallion
Endless Figure Eight

Figure Eight Knots can be used to make interesting sennits.

Horizontal and vertical designs are on the page called Figure Eight Patterns.

Click on the link or image to see the page.

The Kinky Lovers Knot is related to the designs on this page.

It's sometimes called the Double Figure Eight.

Click on the link or image to visit that page.

The Figure 8 Stopper is also related to the Figure Eight Knots on this page.

Click on the link or image to see the instructions.

Basic Figure Eight

This basic Figure 8 Knot can be used as a finishing knot. You can tie it near the ends of cords to prevent unraveling. You can also use it to decorate a cord. Both options are great for fringe designs.

It does have a tendency to loosen, so glue can be applied or other knots can be tied to secure it.

Step 1: Make a loop at the center of an 18-inch cord, crossing right over left. Arrange it on your board with the crook of the loop closest to you.

Secure the left half of the cord. The right half will be the working end.

Step 2: Rotate the right half of the cord clockwise, passing it under the left half (left to right).

This is the start of the second loop.

Step 3: Pass the right half of the cord through the first loop over - under.

Tighten the Figure 8 Knot by pulling on both halves of the cord.

Figure Eight Knots usually look better if they are slightly loose, but that depends on how they are used.

Below are three options for securing the knot.

When you are tying this knot near the end of a cord to finish it off, make sure it is very tight and apply glue.

Cut off the excess material. Melt the stub if you are using synthetic cord material (like nylon).

Slippery materials like satin or parachute cord may require you to tie other knots on either side to secure the Figure 8 Knot.

This image shows two Stevedore knots.

Another option is to double the knot by adding another cord. This makes it thicker and less likely to come untied.

All the Figure Eight Patterns on this page can be doubled.

Extended Figure Eight

< One cord (vertical)

Two cords (horizontal) >

The Extended Figure Eight is made a little different than the other Figure Eight Knots on this page. The two loops are separate from one another.

You can use it in any project where a regular Figure 8 knot will work, including earring designs or as a focal knot.

Step 1: Make loop 1 in the center of an 18-inch cord, crossing left over right.

Step 2: Use the right half of the cord to make a counter-clockwise loop, placing it in front of loop 1.

Pass it under the diagonal segment to make the crossing point.

Step 3: Pass the right half of the cord through loop 1 over - under, heading left to right.

Step 4: Pass the left half of the cord through loop 2 under - over, heading right to left.

Balance the knot so loops 1 and 2 are the same size.

Step 5: You can now double the knot with another cord, if you plan to do so (optional).

Tighten it more as needed.

Figure Eight Medallion

< One cord (vertical)

Two Cords (horizontal) >

Description: The Figure Eight Medallion is a variation of the Figure 8 Tuck, which is used in climbing. It resembles other Celtic Knots with it's twists and turns.

The cord exits the knot in opposite directions, so it can be used as a focal knot for a necklace or bracelet.

Step 1: Make the first loop at the center of the cord, crossing left over right.

Secure the right half vertically, and use the left half as the working end.

Step 2: Rotate the left half counter-clockwise to form loop 2, passing it under the right half.

Step 3: Complete the Figure 8 Knot by passing the left half of the cord through loop 1 over - under.

Step 4: Curve the left half counter-clockwise as you bring it backward toward loop 2.

Pass it through loop 2 over - under.

Step 5: Curve the right half clockwise as you bring it forward toward loop 1.

Pass it through loop 1 under - over.

Step 6: Tighten loops 1 and 2 by pulling on the curved segments to the right and left of the figure 8.

Then tighten the rest. Leave it slightly loose so it will be oval in shape.

Skip this step if you plan to double the knot (go to next step).

Since Figure Eight Knots can be doubled, you should do that before tightening (optional).

Keep both cords as flat as possible if you plan to use it as a focal knot.

Rotate the cords to eliminate any unwanted twist or kinks, then tighten.

Endless Figure Eight

The Endless Figure Eight is my own design, so it's not an official knot. It started out as a Figure Eight Medallion (previous design), then I added some weaving.

Unlike most Figure Eight Knots, you can finish off the ends in the back of the piece. I suggest you make it with two cords as shown in the instructions, so you can finish off the ends.

You can use this design as a pendant, a coaster, or even a holiday ornament.

Step 1: You need two cords, at least 36 inches long.

Create a Figure Eight Medallion using the previous instructions (steps 1 - 5). You should construct it with both cords rather than one at a time.

Mentally label the two loops and the left and right segments between them.

Step 2: Curve the left half of the cord left and forward (toward the front of the board).

Pass it through area 4 over - under.

Step 3: Move the right half of the cord to the right and backward (toward the back of the board).

Pass it through area 3 under - over.

Step 4: Stretch loops 1 and 2 in opposite directions, so you make some space inside the loops.

Whenever you make Figure Eight Knots with more than one cord, they can get twisted or kinked. So check every area and fix the cords as needed.

Heading left to right, pass the left half of the cord through loop 1 over - under.

Step 5: Heading right to left, pass the right half of the cord through loop 2 under - over.

The knot is finished, but if you want to finish off both ends in the BACK, complete step 6 before tightening.

Step 6: Find the segment resting between loop 2 and area 4, on the left side of the knot. It leads to the left end of the cord.

Pull it to make some space for the next step.

Pass the right half of the cord through the segment you pulled, passing under it as you move it left.

This will allow you to move the right half to the back of the knot so you can finish it off.

Tighten and balance the knot so you can clearly see the figure 8 shape in the center.

Figure Eight Knots are usually a little loose, but this one can be tightened completely.

Finish off the ends in the manner most appropriate for the material you are using (optional).

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