5 knots for beginners
where to start (and where not to, just yet)
First, a secret that most lists won't tell you: shibari is barely about knots. A tie stays in place primarily through wraps and frictions, the points where rope clamps against rope. Knots are used sparingly, and the most important requirement is that they cannot tighten. Remember that, and you are already further ahead than most beginners.
In this blog, you will read about the five ties you will encounter first, what they do, and who they are suitable for. To truly learn them, you need visuals. That is why we refer to videos and workshops when practicing.
Before you begin: 5 points of safety
- Safety shears within reach. Not regular scissors, but blunt-tip shears, which allow you to quickly cut rope without touching skin.
- Know the sensitive areas. The upper arm (especially the outer side) and the wrist have nerves that lie just below the skin. Pressure there can cause nerve damage within minutes.
- Stop at these signs: tingling, numbness, a cold or discolored hand or foot, or a wrist that cannot extend properly. Do not "finish up first," but release immediately.
- Agree in advance: what is and is not okay, and establish a safeword or signal. Maintain contact while tying and ask regularly how it feels.
- Never leave someone who is tied up alone. Not even "for a second."
1. Single column tie: the foundation of everything
With this tie, you secure one body part, such as a wrist or ankle. Almost every other tie begins with this, so learn this first.
What it is about: you fold the rope in half, wrap it twice around the wrist, and secure it with a knot that cannot close, such as a Somerville bowline. A regular double knot is actually unsafe here: if the rope is pulled, the wraps will tighten.
Check: you should be able to slide two fingers between the rope and the skin.
Suitable for beginners: yes. This is your starting point.
See how the rope runs: video by Crash Restraint
2. Double column tie: two wrists or ankles together
The same concept as the single column, but for two body parts next to each other. After the wraps, you pass the rope through between the wrists or ankles one or two times, around the wraps. That cinch ensures the tie cannot tighten.
Suitable for beginners: yes, as soon as the single column is solid.
See how the rope runs: video by Kinetik Speicher
3. Chest harness: your first real structure
A chest harness with rope lines above and below the breasts, secured over the shoulders. It immediately looks like shibari and is the basis for many subsequent ties.
Note: the harness must not restrict breathing. Have your partner take a deep breath while you tie. If that isn't possible, it's too tight.
Suitable for beginners: yes, as a second or third step.
See how the rope runs: video by Crash Restraint
4. Futomomo: the bent leg
This involves tying a leg in a bent position, thigh against calf. A nice tie to practice with because fewer vulnerable nerves are involved compared to the arms.
Note: not everyone can comfortably bend their knee fully. Keep the tie short initially, a few minutes, and watch the circulation of the foot.
Suitable for beginners: yes.
See how the rope runs: video by MaillerPhong
5. Takate kote: beautiful, but not for now
The takate kote ties the arms behind the back with rope lines around the upper arms. It is perhaps the classic of Japanese bondage, and because of that, it appears on almost every beginners' list. We intentionally do not do that: the rope lines run exactly over the nerve on the outside of the upper arm. Nerve damage from a takate kote occurs regularly, even with experienced binders.
Our advice: save this tie until you have mastered the basics, and learn it from someone standing next to you, for example in a workshop. We recommend the workshops of KiNKhearted.
What rope do you need?
For beginners, softer rope works best. It provides enough grip but isn't so tight that you can't get it undone. Start with a 5-meter rope, as this is easier to manage.
Our LieLei Bondage Rope is 5 or 10 meters long, [thickness] mm thick, and made of cotton, hemp, and/or jute. You don't need to treat the ropes anymore, so they are ready to use immediately. Furthermore, they are soft, which is ideal for beginners and kind to the skin. Check out the entire shibari collection.
How to practice smart
- Practice the single column first on your own leg or a chair leg, until you can tie it without thinking.
- Use videos to see how the rope runs. Text alone is not enough.
- Want to learn faster and safer? Take a workshop. Someone watching you will immediately see what you are missing.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about shibari knots
Which rope is best for beginners?
Natural rope made of cotton, jute, or hemp about 6 mm thick. It grips better than synthetic rope, so your ties will stay in place better.
Is shibari safe?
It can be safe if you know where the risks are. Use knots that cannot tighten, avoid pressure on the upper arm and wrist, keep safety shears on hand, and release immediately if there is tingling or numbness.
Can I practice shibari on myself?
Yes, you can perfectly practice tying the single column and double column on your own leg. For harnesses and arm ties, you need someone else, and those are best learned under supervision.
Which shibari knot should I learn first?
The single column tie. Almost every other tie builds upon this.
Are you ready to surrender to the meditative power of Shibari? Let the fun begin! 💙
Share
