BDSM Knots 101 : How To Tie Rope Bondage

I have experienced both binding and being bound. I originally didn’t think that BDSM and rope bondage were in the same category. I view rope bondage to be more of, let me say, an art. Erotic? Stimulating? Sensual? All of the above?

Are you curious about how to make BDSM knots? I will share with you what it is and how to tie rope bondage in efficient ways. Just keep reading.

What is BDSM Rope Bondage? 

If you have never heard the Japanese terms: Kinbaku or Shibari, you will understand why rope bondage is not just a BDSM fetish. In short, Shibari is the fragile art of binding. Kinbaku relates to the mental and emotional stimulation of the rope-binding technique.

To make rope bondage more understandable, the one binding the rope is commonly called a ‘rigger’. The one being bound has many names. For me, I use ‘assistant’ or ‘model’, since they are the showcase for the actual art. 

For rope bondage beginners, sample different rope materials, lengths, and knotting strategies. A rigger should start practicing on themselves before bringing their assistant into the fun. There are courses and academies worldwide that you should explore if this information arouses your inner boy scout. 

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Types of Tying Techniques 

Rope bondage has a wide spectrum of styles, designs, and possibilities. There are specific rope materials and knots that are perfect for your first time. You can quickly advance to more intricate designs by mastering the basics. *NO EXCEPTION HAVE SCISSORS ACCESSIBLE

Bight

The basic technique used to start all rope bondage knots. The term bight, refers to the loop you make with the rope by folding it in half in the middle. It’s used to bind the first knot in standard column rope bondage ties. 

Square Knot VS Slip Knot

The square knot is frequently used as an essential technique to know. Since the square knot lies flush with the skin, and commonly used around the wrists. Square knots make it more comfortable for the assistant. For slip knots, it’s a simple technique to master quickly. But, it doesn’t offer a lot of slack, meaning it is quick to cut off circulation. 

Overhand Knot

This method is just to tie the end in an overhand knot. It will be pretty secure and hold well once tightened. Being the base to starting a majority of bights, the overhand knot is used as a stopping point and meant to be permanent through the rope bondage session.

Suspension

Don’t start here. You might think it looks cool and all, and that’s the OnlyFans pic you’re going for… It is so much more than that. Close friends of mine (pictured above) have studied and are still mastering rope suspension. This process took over an hour to complete. This is such a rewarding position for both of them.

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J, the rigger, is consistently checking in with his assistant. She has to hold her body position in place during this whole performance. There were times his assistant needed a break to hold her head steady since all of her blood was rushing to her head. Both of them work seamlessly with each other during their rope bondage sessions. An absolute work of art. 

Rope bondage is an amazing way to dabble in CNC play as you can tie up your assistant and use a sex toy or vibrator to take control without any interuptions.


How to Tie Bondage Knots 

Alright, let’s get to the good part. I find it crucial to master the basics before you skip ahead to more complex stuff. You can’t sit here and tell me that you want to pop your anal cherry by using a fist like it’s a good idea and no one will be able to tell. 

1-Column and 2-Column Rope Ties

For the 1-column rope tie, start with a bight. Wrap the rope around the wrists twice. Turn the bight over the wrap at a right angle. While holding the bight, create a loop using the other end of your rope. Wrap the bight around the wrists again after passing it through this loop. Pull both ends of the rope taut to finish the knot. 

I use this restraint technique when I want to have my assistant’s wrists tied together and above their heads. The French Bowline tie is beneficial for both the rigger and the assistant. It is simple to set in place and evenly applies pressure. You will be left with one running end, which is helpful in many ways. 


Tips for Rope Bondage 

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the critical placement and knot techniques, it’s very much OK. This is the part where I tell you how easy rope bondage can be when starting with the right goods. 

Rope Textures 

There is an intense skill that is learned in order to tie and knot the rope safely to completion. But, this skill can only be mastered if you start with the right materials. 

Bondage rope is either made of a natural or synthetic material. Natural materials would be Jute, Hemp, Silk, and Bamboo. These materials are more expensive but are very durable and provide more comfort for the assistant. Synthetic rope materials would be Nylon, Paracord, Polyester, and Cotton (available in multiple colors). These materials may look more “aesthetically” pleasing, but they aren’t durable enough for more advanced knots and are not the most comfortable materials for the assistant. Great material to practice with!

Measurements

There is no exact measurement of length you need to have in order to successfully perform rope bondage. You just need to make sure you will have enough. The standard length of bondage rope needed starts at around 8 feet. But, think about all of the different variables that need to be taken into consideration. The height and weight of your assistant are most important when choosing the correct thickness and length. 

When it comes to the girth of the rope, that’s where you have to make decisions with your assistant. For flexibility and convenience, start with a rope that has a diameter of a quarter inch thick (around 6 millimeters). The thicker the rope, the better the safety, simplicity, and comfort. 

Using 13-15 feet of rope will allow you to cover more areas and work with more intricate designs. This length is also beneficial to the rigger. Having a rope that is longer than the rigger’s wingspan. (Distance between palms when arms are stretched out)


Final Thoughts on How to Tie Rope Bondage

Finding interest in this kink doesn’t mean that it is sexual performance. This is an art in itself and is way more satisfying when done the right way. The rigger and assistant still need to communicate and have safe words. For many safety reasons, it is just as important to keep scissors accessible. 

Finding the right material and length of rope after learning the basics of knot tying is the tedious part. Practice, practice, practice! So, why knot give rope bondage a go?

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