So you want to learn rope bondage?

To get started, you’ll first need some rope. See How to Choose Rope to get started.

General Beginner Topics

• Square Knot vs Granny Knot (single strand)

• Running End and Bight End (double strand tying)

Single Columns

A single column means we tie one column of the body, a limb— like an arm or a leg. Often it ties one limb, but in some cases it is use to tie two limbs together. The ropes form one column, which is why we call it a single column. 

Make sure not to tie around the joints: especially ankles, knees, or wrists.

• “Two finger” test for binding someone’s limb

• Running down the body or running up the body

Lesson 1. 

Single Column with Loop
The first one I present here is the looped version.

Either technique produces the same result: either a granny or a square knot that is reasonably secure but can "pop" or come open if it isn't reinforced (or "closed").

Single Column Overhand

This happens if you tug on them in a specific direction.

Typically, you use a Yuki knot to close the overhand knot, though it's perfectly acceptable for floor play to leave it unsecured. 

(For suspension, not covered here, this would not suffice.)


 

Lesson 2. Slip Knot

Lesson 3. Sommerville Bowline (pronounced “bowlin“)
- The standard one
- Dash's Somemrville bowline
- The fast Sommerville bowline

Double Columns

A Double column means we tie two pieces of the body— for example, two arms or two legs (or a leg and an arm).

In this example of a double-column tie, we tie one limb to another limb. 

Lesson 4. | Double column

Lesson 5. | Leg ladders — don’t tie around the ankles or knees!

Lesson 6. | Extending rope using a Lark’s head

Lesson 7. | Tying up your rope for storage when done

• Single column lark’s head (try this around your whole body at your midriff)

• Sheet bend rope extension