Figure 9 Loop

How to tie a Figure 9 Loop Knot. The Figure Nine Loop, sometimes called the Figure of Nine is used to form a fixed loop at the end of a rope. It is tied in a similar fashion to the Figure Eight but with an extra half turn as the last step before finishing the knot.

 

While it makes for a bulkier knot than the Figure Eight, it is considered to be stronger and also easier to untie after heavy loading. Due its bulk, it is more suitable to be used in smaller diameter rope and is particularly unsuitable with heavy stiff rope. Known to be a popular knot choice among cavers it is also a good knot to put a loop in webbing material.

 

Scroll down to see the animated Figure 9 Loop below the knot tying tutorial.

Figure 9 Loop Knot Tying Instructions

• Double the rope to form a bight near the rope's end.


• Make a loop by crossing the bight under the standing double lines.


• Bring the bight back over the double line. Normally you would bring the bight back up through the loop to tie a "Figure Eight" at this point. To make the Figure Nine, pass the bight around again and then down through the loop.


• Pull the ends to tighten the knot.