Knowing the Ropes II - Basic Bondage Knots

*Please read my article: Knowing the Ropes I - Bondage Safety before proceeding*

If you want to explore bondage, you need to have some knowledge of knots. You can accomplish safe and effective bondage just a few knots. In a future post, I will show you more advanced, prettier knots for more "showy" bondage, but first things first.

ROPE
Choose your rope according to what you are tying. For typing limbs, body harnesses, rope bras, etc, I use 3/8 rope, but 5/16 works well aslo. CBT would obviously use a much thinner rope (I like 5/32 poly cord) and suspension would need a much thicker, stronger rope.

• Nylon and polypropylene rope are popular, they're cheap, smooth on the skin and have very little stretch. They doesn't absorb sweat or fluids, making them more sanitary and easier to clean. Lots of fun colors, too.

• Marine rope is also very popular, for it's sleek feel and extreme durability. Very popular for suspension.

• Hemp and jute can be used by the more sadistic rope slinger, as they are mildly abrasive but very strong. 

• Cotton rope does not stretch and holds a knot well, but is absorbent to anything that touches it, and breaks down and frays faster.

KNOTS and HITCHES

The first knot you need to know is the Square Knot, also known as the Reef Knot. This is a very simple knot, used to tie two ropes together, or to cinch around a heavy wrap job. The square knot is more or less flat, so it applies less pressure on the skin and nerves than other knots, therefore making it perfect for beginner's bondage.

Another excellent bondage is the French Bowline. This is similar to a Fisherman's Loop, in that it creates a loop that does not slip. It will not tighten or loosen under pressure, making it the safest knot to use for ankle or wrist restraints. Use as many "loops" as you like to make your restraints wide, spreading the pressure across more surface area, making it safer and more comfortable. 

The Half Hitch is super handy for tying your partner to a bedpost or other stationary object, and can also be used to finish off a wrap. It's easy to untie when the time comes, which is a perk. Never use a half hitch for tying limbs (as they can cut off circulation) or for suspension (we will learn suspension in a later post). This pic shows both a single and a double half hitch.

Another simple hitch is the Clove Hitch. Like the Half Hitch, it is very handy for trying TO something, like a bedpost or pole, and should never be used directly on the limbs, or for suspension.

 There you go, my kinky friends. All the knots you need for beginner's bondage. Please remember to play safe, sane and consensual, and WHERE ARE YOUR SAFETY SCISSORS?!