Abstract: An octupole winding pattern for winding a fiber optic coil includes at least two layers of an eight-layer winding pattern having an end fiber optic coil diameter formed in an opposite direction as a substantial portion of a remaining portion of the respective layer. The selectively arranged octupole winding pattern may be used in a fiber optic gyroscope. A spool onto which the fiber optic coil is wound may be removable. Preferably, the octupole winding pattern is advantageously arranged to provide a substantial amount of optical symmetry with respect to a winding centerline of the fiber optic coil. In addition, the octupole winding pattern provides a substantial amount of geometric, mechanical, and thermal symmetry.