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.

1. Square Knot (Reef Knot) – A basic knot used for tying two ends of rope together.
2. Bowline Knot – Creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope, useful for securing restraints.
3. Half Hitch – A simple knot used to anchor or secure ropes, often used in combination with other knots.
4. Figure-Eight Knot – Creates a strong, fixed loop and is commonly used for safety and secure tying.
5. Hitching Knot – Used for tying ropes around a post or object.
6. Friction Hitch – A knot that tightens under load and is used to adjust tension in bondage.
7. Japanese Tying (Shibari) Patterns – Various intricate patterns used in Japanese rope bondage, including the Takate Kote (box tie) and the Ebi (crab tie).
8. Clove Hitch – Useful for securing a rope to a post or pole and often used in combination with other knots.
9. Monkey’s Fist – A knot that creates a weighted ball at the end of a rope, sometimes used in impact play.
10. 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)

Reef Knot Tutorial

Materials:

• Two lengths of rope or string

Steps:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Complete the Knot
   • Thread the working end back through the original loop. Pull the working end all the way through until the knot tightens.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. Create a Loop:
   • Form a loop with the rope by placing the working end over the standing part.
2. Thread the End:
   • Take the working end and pass it through the loop from underneath.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. Position the Rope:
   • Place the rope behind the person’s back, wrapping it around the torso to create a loop.
2. Wrap the Rope:
   • Cross the rope over the chest and under the arms, pulling it tight to form a box shape around the torso.
3. Secure the Arms:
   • Tie the rope around the upper arms and secure it by tying the ends to the main body of the rope.
4. 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:

1. Make the First Wrap:
   • Wrap the rope around the object once, crossing the working end over the standing part.
2. Make the Second Wrap:
   • Wrap the rope around the object again in the opposite direction, creating an “X” shape with the wraps.
3. 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:

1. Create a Base Loop:
   • Form a loop with the rope and secure it with a few tight coils.
2. Wrap the Rope:
   • Continue wrapping the rope around the base loop to form a spherical shape.
3. Insert the Weight (if used):
   • If using a weight, place it in the center of the wraps as you continue wrapping.
4. 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:

1. Position the Rope:
   • Place the rope around the limb (like an arm or leg), ensuring it’s aligned properly.
2. Wrap the Rope:
   • Wrap the rope around the limb in a columnar fashion, keeping it tight but not uncomfortable.
3. Secure the Knot:
   • Tie the ends of the rope securely, often using a knot like a square knot to finish.
4. Adjust and Tighten:
   • Adjust the tightness of the rope and ensure it is secure and comfortable.