Knot guide · Beginner

Figure-of-Eight Loop: How to Tie It

The figure-of-eight loop makes the loops used for loop to loop connections, hooklengths, feeders and method rigs. It is the loop knot UK match and feeder anglers reach for by default because it is fast, neat and dependable for connections that are not under direct hook load.

Loop to loop connectionsHooklengthsFeeders and method rigsQuick hooklink changes

Published by the GilledIt editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-07-07 · Part of the fishing knot library

Step by step

How to tie the figure-of-eight loop

  1. 1

    Double the line

    Double over the last 10 to 15cm of line to form a loop.

  2. 2

    Make the figure of eight

    Twist the doubled line back over itself to make a closed loop, then take the end of the loop around the doubled standing line one full turn, so the shape looks like a figure of eight.

  3. 3

    Pass the loop through

    Pass the end of the loop back through the first eye of the eight.

  4. 4

    Wet and seat

    Wet the knot, then pull the loop and the standing line in opposite directions to seat it.

  5. 5

    Trim

    Trim the tag end so the finished loop sits neat and inline.

Two rules apply to every knot: wet it with saliva before pulling it tight, because dry friction weakens mono and fluorocarbon at the exact point you need strength, and tighten slowly, then test with a firm pull before you cast.

How strong is it?

Retains around 80 to 85% of line strength, which is plenty for a connection that is not under direct hook load. Exact figures vary with line type, diameter and how well the knot is tied, so treat any percentage as a guide, not a guarantee.

When to use the figure-of-eight loop

Any time you need a loop: hooklength connections, feeder attachments and method rigs. Loop to loop is the quickest way to change hooklengths on the bank; just make sure the loops seat in a square handshake, not a strangling girth hitch, which costs you strength.

Figure-of-Eight Loop: common questions

Making loops for loop to loop connections: attaching hooklengths, feeders and method rigs. It is the default loop knot in UK match and feeder fishing because it ties quickly, sits neatly inline, and holds reliably at connection points that never take direct hook load.

Pass one loop through the other, then pass the hook (or the whole hooklength) through the first loop and draw them together so they seat in a square handshake shape. If one loop strangles the other in a girth hitch, the connection loses strength, so re-seat it.

It retains around 80 to 85% of line strength, which sounds modest but is plenty for its job: loop connections sit away from the hook, and the hooklength itself is usually lighter than the mainline, so the system still breaks where it should.

Speed and flexibility. Loop to loop lets you change hooklengths in seconds on the bank, without retying or shortening your rig, which is why match anglers build everything around it. Tied direct connections are marginally slimmer but cost you that convenience every change.

Keep learning

Related knots

Surgeon's Knot

Joining two lines of similar diameter quickly, attaching tippet to a fly leader, or building a paternoster link, especially mid session when speed matters. It is bulkier than a blood knot and sits slightly off axis, so it is not the join for repeated casting through small rings.

Read the guide

Grinner Knot (Uni Knot)

Hooks, swivels and leads on any line type, especially when you need a dependable knot tied by feel in the dark or in heavy mono. Tie two grinners facing each other on overlapping lines and you have the double grinner, a sensible alternative to the FG knot for joining braid to a leader.

Read the guide

Knotless Knot (Hair Rig)

Every hair rig you will ever tie, which in practice means most carp fishing and plenty of barbel and specimen work. Hair length is the adjustment that matters: shorter for small pellets, longer for big boilies.

Read the guide

For all ten knots in one long read, see the fishing knots guide, or browse the full knot library. Ready to put it to work? The carp rig library shows what to tie next.

Practise at home, log the results on the bank

Find UK venues with species, prices and facilities, then log every catch your knots land in the GilledIt app.

Find fishing near you
Be the first to knowLaunching soon on iOS & Android — get one email on launch day