Step 1: Form a simple figure eight in one end of one of the ropes.

Step 2: Thread the end of the other rope through the figure eight you have already formed, following each twist and turn of the first rope to rethread the knot, exiting at the opposite end.

Step 3: Carefully set the knot, making certain that the rope strands are parallel to each other. If the strands cross, the knot won't "dress down" smoothly and will be bulky and less secure.