I use a variation figure-8 knot to attach the wick to the rope, basic figure-8 (this is a basic figure-8 s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ ) with an additional wrap before threading through the loop (like so s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ ). Creates more friction in an already self tightening stop-knot (this is the knot fully tightened s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ ).

For the end of the rope, I use a stacked overhand pattern instead of a two bite monkey's fist that many other people use. For the overhand pattern grab a bite of rope. At some point with enough slack (the slack makes your later knots, have maybe 5-6" worth) tie an overhand knot (this is an overhand knot s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ )around the bite (like this s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ ). They tie another, and another, and another, until you're out of slack (like this s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ ). Then feed the loose end through the loop (like this s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ ), and pull tight like a noose (Fully tightened, front s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ and back s184.photobucket.com/albums/...20Knots/ ).

I use retrace figure 8's on everything partly because it's a good knot, but mostly because I like the way it looks and I know I can tie a secure one, every time. The knot is bulkier than what other people use, your mileage may vary.