Shibari, Knots, Ties, Ropes and Harness

As a Mass girl living in Japan, I found myself immersed in a world where tradition meets artistry in the most captivating ways. Among the many cultural treasures I discovered, Shibari—a mesmerizing form of artistic rope bondage—unfolded before me like a beautifully intricate tapestry. In the heart of this enchanting land, I was introduced to the dance of ropes and knots, where every twist and turn tells a story of connection, elegance, and profound respect for the human form. The beauty of Shibari lies not just in its visuals but in the shared passion between the rigger (person tying the knots) and the model, a language of trust and creativity. Anyone can explore this art form, and what follows will guide you through its basic steps.

Some Common Knots Used in Shibari

Shibari harness

Single Column Tie:

This is a foundational knot used to secure a single point on the body. It’s often used to create a starting point for more complex ties.

Double Column Tie:

Similar to the single column tie, but it secures two points on the body. It’s used for binding two parts together, like wrists or ankles.

Lark’s Head Knot:

This is a basic knot used to attach the rope to an anchor point, such as a limb or a ring, before starting the intricate tying.

Square Knot (Reef Knot):

This knot is used for joining two ropes together securely.

Friction Knots:

These knots, such as the Munter Hitch or Half Hitch, create friction against the body to adjust tension or secure the ropes in place.

Diamond Knot:

This decorative knot is often used as a finishing knot, adding an elegant touch to the design.

Shibari is not just about the knots themselves but also about the process, the aesthetics, and the connection between the person tying the knots (the rigger) and the person being tied (the model or the bottom). It involves careful consideration of aesthetics, safety, and communication between the participants.

Remember, safety is important in Shibari. Practitioners spend considerable time learning and practicing techniques to ensure that the experience is not only visually beautiful but also physically safe for everyone involved.

The Single Column Tie

This is a fundamental knot used in Shibari to secure a single point on the body. Here are step-by-step instructions for tying a basic Single Column Tie:

Materials Needed:

• Rope (typically around 8-10 meters in length, depending on the tie and the size of the model)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rope:

Start by finding the midpoint of your rope. This will be the center point used to begin tying the knot.

Positioning:

Have the person being tied (the model) extend their arm, leg, or whichever body part you’re tying out comfortably. Place the midpoint of the rope against the body where you want to tie the knot.

Wrap the Rope:

Wrap both ends of the rope around the limb, crossing them over each other.

Create a Loop:

Take one end of the rope and pass it behind both strands (the rope that’s wrapping the limb and the rope leading to the other side). This creates a loop.

Pass the End Through the Loop:

Insert the end of the rope through the loop you just created.

Tighten the Knot:

Pull both ends of the rope to tighten the knot securely around the limb. Ensure it’s snug but not too tight, allowing for circulation and comfort.

Finishing Touch:

You can finish off the tie by either tucking the loose ends back into the wraps or by securing them with additional knots (like a half hitch) to prevent them from loosening during the session.

Remember, communication between the rigger and the model is essential throughout the tying process. Check in regularly to ensure comfort and circulation, and always have safety shears or scissors nearby in case the ropes need to be quickly removed in an emergency. Practice and patience are key in mastering Shibari knots, so take your time and prioritize safety and mutual consent.

The Double Column Tie

This is commonly used in Shibari to secure two points on the body, often binding wrists or ankles together. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tying a basic Double Column Tie.

Materials Needed:

Rope (similar length to Single Column Tie, adjusted for tying two points)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rope:

Find the midpoint of your rope and fold it in half to create a loop at the midpoint.

Positioning:

Have the person being tied present their wrists or ankles comfortably, close enough together for the tie.

Loop Placement:

Place the loop over the intended area where you want to secure the tie (wrists or ankles).

Wrap Around Both Limbs:

Take the two ends of the rope and wrap them around both limbs in opposite directions, crossing them over each other.

Cross the Rope Ends:

Once the ends have been wrapped around the limbs a few times, cross them over each other.

Pass Ends Through the Loop:

Take each end of the rope and pass it through the loop created at the midpoint of the rope.

Tighten the Knot:

Pull both ends of the rope to tighten the knot securely around the limbs. Ensure it’s snug but not too tight, allowing for comfort and circulation.

Finishing:

Similar to the Single Column Tie, you can tuck the loose ends back into the wraps or secure them with additional knots (like half hitches) to prevent loosening during the session.

Always prioritize the comfort and safety of the person being tied. Communicate throughout the process to ensure they’re comfortable and maintain proper circulation. Keep safety shears or scissors readily accessible in case you need to quickly remove the ropes in an emergency. Practice and patience are crucial when learning Shibari techniques.

The Lark’s Head Knot

The Lark’s Head Knot is a fundamental knot in Shibari used to attach the rope to an anchor point, such as a limb or a ring. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tying a Lark’s Head Knot:

Materials Needed:

Rope

Instructions:

Prepare the Rope:

Start with your rope. No need to find the midpoint for this knot.

Anchor Point:

Identify the anchor point where you want to attach the rope. This could be a limb, a ring, or any secure point.

Create a Loop:

Take one end of the rope and fold it back on itself to form a small loop.

Wrap Around the Anchor:

Hold the loop against the anchor point and pass the rest of the rope around the anchor and through the loop.

Pull Tight:

Pull both ends of the rope to tighten the knot securely around the anchor point. Ensure it’s snug but not too tight to allow for movement and comfort.

Adjustment:

You can adjust the knot’s positioning by sliding it along the rope to the desired location on the anchor point.

The Lark’s Head Knot is simple yet versatile, serving as the starting point for many Shibari ties by securely attaching the rope to the model. As always, communicate with the person being tied to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the process.

The Square Knot

This knot is also known as the Reef Knot. It is a basic knot used in Shibari and other forms of rope work for joining two ropes together securely. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tie a Square Knot:

Materials Needed:

Two ropes of equal length

Instructions:

Prepare the Ropes:

Take two ropes of equal length. Place them parallel to each other, with the ends aligned.

Cross the Ropes:

Take the right end of one rope and cross it over the left rope, forming a loop.

Wrap Around and Through:

Bring the right end under the left rope and then pass it through the loop created in the first step. This creates an overhand knot.

Reverse the Process:

Now, take the left end of the other rope and cross it over the right rope, forming a loop similar to the first step.

Wrap Around and Through (Again):

Bring the left end under the right rope and then pass it through the loop created in step 4.

Tighten the Knot:

Pull both ends of the ropes simultaneously to tighten the knot securely. Ensure both ends of the knot are pulled evenly to create a symmetrical square knot.

Inspect the Knot:

Ensure the knot is properly tightened and looks like two interlocking loops (like the number “4”). It should hold securely without slipping.

The Square Knot is a simple yet effective way to join two ropes together. It’s essential to tie it correctly, as an improperly tied square knot can potentially slip. Practice and double-checking the knot’s symmetry and security are crucial for safety in Shibari and any rope-related activities.

 Friction knots in Shibari

These serve to adjust tension or secure ropes in place. One of the commonly used friction knots is the Half Hitch. Here’s how to tie a Half Hitch:

Materials Needed:

Rope

Instructions:

Start with an Anchor:

Have an anchor point or another rope already in place where you want to tie the Half Hitch.

Pass the Rope Over the Anchor:

Take the working end of the rope and pass it over the anchor rope or the existing rope.

Create a Loop:

Form a loop by bringing the working end of the rope underneath the anchor rope, crossing it back over the top of the anchor rope.

Pass Through the Loop:

Insert the working end of the rope through the loop you’ve just created.

Tighten the Hitch:

Pull the working end of the rope to tighten the Half Hitch securely against the anchor rope.

Repeat for Additional Hitches:

For added security or to adjust tension, you can create multiple Half Hitches by repeating steps 2 to 5.

Remember, Half Hitches are adjustable and can slide along the rope, allowing for fine-tuning tension or securing the rope in place as desired. They’re often used in conjunction with other knots in Shibari to maintain the desired patterns and tensions within the tie. Always ensure proper tension without causing discomfort or compromising circulation for the person being tied.

 The Diamond Knot

Diamond Knots are decorative knots often used for the finishing touch in Shibari, adding an elegant and aesthetically pleasing element to the tie. Here’s how to tie a Diamond Knot:

Materials Needed:

Rope

Instructions:

Create a Loop:

Start by creating a loop with the rope. The loop should have one end passing over the other to form a crossing point.

Form the Diamond Shape:

Bring the working end (the end that’s on top) under the rope to form a loop, passing it under the crossed part of the rope.

Weave Through the Loop:

Pass the working end of the rope through the loop created in the previous step.

Adjust and Tighten:

Gently pull both ends of the rope to tighten the knot while adjusting the shape to form a diamond. Ensure it’s snug but not overly tight, allowing for movement and comfort.




Finishing Touches:

Once the Diamond Knot is formed and tightened to your liking, you can cut the excess rope or leave a decorative tail, depending on the desired aesthetic.

The Diamond Knot is often used as a decorative element at the end of a Shibari tie. Its intricate appearance adds an artistic finish to the rope work, enhancing the visual appeal of the overall design. Practice and patience are key to mastering the creation of this knot for a polished and refined look.

Shabari Harness: 7 Steps to Make Your First One

Shibari Knots

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide for a basic chest harness suitable for beginners:

Materials Needed:

1 rope (around 20-30 feet long, depending on the size of the person and the complexity of the harness)

Instructions:

Start by Finding the Middle:

Locate the midpoint of your rope. This will be your starting point.

Positioning:

Have the person being tied (the model) stand comfortably with their back exposed.

Create a Lark’s Head Knot:

Place the midpoint of the rope against the model’s upper back, just below the shoulders. Create a Lark’s Head Knot by looping both ends of the rope around the front of the model and passing them through the loop, securing the rope around the upper chest.

Wrap Around the Body:

Take each end of the rope and wrap them around the model’s torso, crossing them at the back.

Loop Under the Armpits:

Bring the ends back around to the front and pass each end under the opposite armpit, creating an “X” shape at the front.

Cross and Wrap Again:

Cross the rope ends at the back and bring them back to the front. Wrap them under the “X” created in the front.

Secure and Finish:

Finally, tie off the ends at the front or back, creating a secure knot or a decorative finish. Ensure it’s snug but not overly tight, allowing for movement and comfort.

This basic chest harness provides a good starting point for beginners. Remember to communicate with the person being tied throughout the process, ensuring they’re comfortable and maintaining proper circulation. Safety shears or scissors should be easily accessible in case the ropes need to be removed quickly in an emergency. Practice and gradual exploration of different ties will help develop your skills further.

Male Shibari: A Quick How to Guide

Male Shibari

Shibari Ropes

Choosing the right rope for your Shibari journey is like picking the perfect paintbrush for an artist. You’ve got options that’ll truly elevate your experience!

Jute Rope:

Picture this—lightweight, flexible, and oh-so-traditional. Jute’s texture not only gives you an amazing grip but also adds that classic Shibari aesthetic. It softens with time, molding comfortably to the body for an authentic feel.

Hemp Rope:

Think of hemp as your sturdy companion. It’s rougher but reliable, holding knots with a robust grip. Over time, it softens up too, offering that balance between strength and comfort.

Cotton Rope:

Soft, smooth, and beginner-friendly. Cotton is all about that gentle touch against the skin. It’s perfect if you’re just diving into Shibari and want something cozy for your ties.

Synthetic Ropes (Nylon or MFP):

These are like the superheroes of ropes. Super strong, durable, and quick to dry. They might lack that traditional feel but boy, are they easy to handle and maintain!

Silk Rope:

Ah, the luxury option! Silk ropes are all about that silky-smooth touch. They’re incredibly comfy, but they might not be the toughest ones in the bunch.

Remember, the right rope depends on your vibe, the ties you’re dreaming up, and how comfy your model feels. It’s like picking your apps on your new phone—your rope should feel like an extension of your creativity!

So…

In the mesmerizing world of Shibari, each knot I mastered felt like uncovering a secret language of trust and intimacy. The artistry in tying knots revealed stories untold, speaking volumes about connection and creativity. And trust me, if I could untangle the beauty of Shibari, so can you. It’s a journey calling out to all the curious ones, a pathway that promises discoveries in trust, patience, and the exquisite art of human connection. Take that leap, dive in! Knot by knot, you’ll unravel a world teeming with understanding and creativity you never knew existed.