You should never place the load on the noose of a soft shackle. You risk pulling the noose over the stopper knot.

It is best to sleeve the soft shackle to protect the load-bearing fibers if the edges of the load are sharp.

Position the noose directly underneath the stopper knot just above the load. To ensure the legs of the noose are equal length. Run your hand down the length of the shackle starting at the knot and working your way towards the noose.