Figure of Eight Bend

This bend is both neat and strong. It works very well with modern ropes, but can jam with natural fiber ropes.

Tie a figure of eight knot in the working end of the first rope but keep the loops open.
Thread the working end of the second rope through the top loop, following the line of the cord.
Keep threading the working end through, parallel to the existing cord.
Keep the knot flat as more working end is pushed through.
Pull the working end through the final loop and work through enough rope to match the working end of the first line.
Now work the bend tight, ensuring that all lines remain parallel.