In this post, we will be discussing bondage knots used in the world of BDSM. Here are 10 classic knots that every bondage fan should learn.
- Square Knot (Reef Knot) – A basic knot used for tying two ends of rope together.
- Bowline Knot – Creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope, useful for securing restraints.
- Half Hitch – A simple knot used to anchor or secure ropes, often used in combination with other knots.
- Figure-Eight Knot – Creates a strong, fixed loop and is commonly used for safety and secure tying.
- Hitching Knot – Used for tying ropes around a post or object.
- Friction Hitch – A knot that tightens under load and is used to adjust tension in bondage.
- Japanese Tying (Shibari) Patterns – Various intricate patterns used in Japanese rope bondage, including the Takate Kote (box tie) and the Ebi (crab tie).
- Clove Hitch – Useful for securing a rope to a post or pole and often used in combination with other knots.
- Monkey’s Fist – A knot that creates a weighted ball at the end of a rope, sometimes used in impact play.
- Single Column Tie – Used to bind a single limb or object by wrapping the rope around it in a columnar fashion.
Square Knot (Reef Knot)
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Reef Knot Tutorial
Materials:
- Two lengths of rope or string
Steps:
- Position the Ropes
- Lay the two ropes parallel to each other. Hold one rope in your right hand and the other in your left hand.
- Start the Knot
- Cross the right-hand rope over the left-hand rope to form an “X.” Take the end of the right-hand rope and tuck it under the left-hand rope, pulling it through to create the first half of the knot.
- Complete the Knot
- Now, cross the left-hand rope over the right-hand rope (which is now on top). Take the end of the left-hand rope and tuck it under the right-hand rope. Pull both ends tight.
- Tighten the Knot
- Pull both ends of the ropes to secure the knot. The reef knot should now have a symmetrical appearance with the two ropes lying flat on top of each other.
Bowline Knot
Bowline Knot Tutorial
Materials:
- One length of rope or string
Steps:
- Create a Loop
- Lay the rope flat and form a loop by placing the end of the rope over the middle section. The loop should be large enough to accommodate the size of the loop you want to create.
- Insert the End
- Take the end of the rope (the working end) and pass it through the loop from underneath. Make sure the end goes towards you as it comes through the loop.
- Form the Knot
- Bring the working end of the rope around the standing part of the rope (the longer section). This creates a smaller loop around the standing part.
- Complete the Knot
- Thread the working end back through the original loop. Pull the working end all the way through until the knot tightens.
- Tighten and Adjust
- Hold the standing part of the rope and pull the working end to tighten the knot. The bowline knot should now have a fixed loop at the end with the working end secured around the standing part.
Half Hitch Knot
Half Hitch Knot Tutorial
Materials:
- One length of rope or string
Steps:
- Position the Rope
- Hold the rope with one end (working end) and position it so that you have the standing part (the longer section) of the rope extending away from you.
- Make the First Loop
- Place the working end of the rope around the object you’re tying it to (like a post or another rope). This will form the first loop. The working end should come from underneath the standing part.
- Complete the Knot
- Pull the working end around the object and tuck it under the standing part of the rope. This will create the half hitch knot.
- Tighten the Knot
- Pull the working end tightly to secure the knot. Make sure the knot is snug and the working end is firmly secured around the object.
Figure 8 Knot
1. Figure-Eight Knot
Materials:
- One length of rope or string
Steps:
- Create a Loop:
- Form a loop with the rope by placing the working end over the standing part.
- Thread the End:
- Take the working end and pass it through the loop from underneath.
- Complete the Eight Shape:
- Continue by wrapping the working end around the standing part, following the curve of the loop, and then pass it through the loop again from the top.
- Tighten the Knot:
- Pull both ends of the rope to form a figure-eight shape. The knot should resemble the number 8.
Japanese Tying (Shibari)
Materials:
- Rope (typically jute or hemp)
Example: Takate Kote (Box Tie)
Steps:
- Position the Rope:
- Place the rope behind the person’s back, wrapping it around the torso to create a loop.
- Wrap the Rope:
- Cross the rope over the chest and under the arms, pulling it tight to form a box shape around the torso.
- Secure the Arms:
- Tie the rope around the upper arms and secure it by tying the ends to the main body of the rope.
- Finish the Tie:
- Make sure all parts are evenly tightened and the person is securely bound.
Clove Hitch
Clove Hitch
Materials:
- One length of rope or string
Steps:
- Make the First Wrap:
- Wrap the rope around the object once, crossing the working end over the standing part.
- Make the Second Wrap:
- Wrap the rope around the object again in the opposite direction, creating an “X” shape with the wraps.
- Secure the Knot:
- Tuck the working end under the second wrap and pull tight to secure the knot.
Monkey’s Fist
Monkey’s Fist
Materials:
- Rope (longer piece) and a weight (optional, like a small ball)
Steps:
- Create a Base Loop:
- Form a loop with the rope and secure it with a few tight coils.
- Wrap the Rope:
- Continue wrapping the rope around the base loop to form a spherical shape.
- Insert the Weight (if used):
- If using a weight, place it in the center of the wraps as you continue wrapping.
- Secure the Knot:
- Tuck the working end through the middle of the knot and pull tight to secure the monkey’s fist shape.
Single Column Tie
Single Column Tie
Materials:
- Rope (length depends on the size of the limb)
Steps:
- Position the Rope:
- Place the rope around the limb (like an arm or leg), ensuring it’s aligned properly.
- Wrap the Rope:
- Wrap the rope around the limb in a columnar fashion, keeping it tight but not uncomfortable.
- Secure the Knot:
- Tie the ends of the rope securely, often using a knot like a square knot to finish.
- Adjust and Tighten:
- Adjust the tightness of the rope and ensure it is secure and comfortable.
I love rope play, have done some with other, and more self play. This is a helpful piece. Thank you!
This is very helpful and nice information! Thank you Lara!