Rope Bondage Resources for Newbies
I love rope bondage. I like the feel of the rope in my hands, the relaxation of tying and wrapping it around Kayla’s body, and the way it looks when I’m done. Although I love it, I wouldn’t call myself a rigger (the term for a skilled rope top). So when people ask me to share what I know about rope bondage, I don’t try to teach them anything. Instead, I share the resources I trust. And that’s what we’re doing here.
You don’t have to be into rope bondage to be kinky, and you don’t have to like rope to be into bondage. But like every other kinky thing we do in BDSM, this kind of bondage requires skill and practice in order to play safely. If rope is on your list of kinky fun to learn or experience, here are the bondage resources we recommend and the rope retailers we like.
Safety First
While practicing bondage can be fun it can also be a dangerous endeavor. Always play with safety in mind. When doing rope work be sure to have a safety knife or safety scissors close by. Be sure to check in with your partner for any numbness or tingling while they are tied or restrained. The use of a safe word is also recommended — and a safe gesture if your partner is gagged. Once you have your partner bound never leave them alone for any period of time.
Rope Bondage Resources
Two Knotty Boys have been our go-to resource for years, and their books and old YouTube videos are a great way to learn. But they’re not the only options around. Since most searches for anything begin online, here are several rope bondage resources that I use.
The Duchy
At the Duchy, you’ll find lots of great tutorials on rope tying and bondage. They’re very much into safety and education. When you visit their site, they encourage you to read Core Knowledge, a section of their website devoted to the basics — and I highly recommend that you do. Visit the site: www.theduchy.com
Knot Today
At Knot Today, you can follow the rope adventures of Prudence, a self taught rope artist and rigger with lots of informative blog posts and tutorials. They share lots of pictures of different ties and techniques so you can really see what it all looks like. Visit the site: pruchan.wordpress.com/
TiedUpTee
I followed TiedUpTee on Tumblr for many years and was delighted when they started a YouTube channel of tutorials. Now that Tumblr isn’t an option anymore, hopefully we’ll get to see more videos of their rope work. Visit the channel: TiedUpTee
Self-Tie Tuesday
I recently found this group on FetLife after attending a local rope workshop. They do a weekly theme tie with pictures shared within the group. As indicated by the name the ties must be self done, but that’s a great way to practice and get some new ideas. Self-tying is a good option whether you’re single or you want to teach yourself before trying a tie on a partner. Visit the group: Self-Tie Tuesday
Rope Retailers
**We are not currently an affiliate of these retailers. They’re simply companies we’ve found and liked for different reasons.**
You can buy rope from almost anywhere, and yes, even basic rope from a home improvement store can be perverted. But when you buy rope from a retailer who understands bondage, you have a better chance of getting something that will work well and be safe to use. Plus, you can often choose custom colors and the specific type of rope you want.
MyNawashi
MyNawashi makes their own rope, and they offer several colors. All the rope they sell is ideal for Shibari or Kinbaku bondage play. Most orders also include a cloth blindfold called a tenugui that is color-coordinated for the rope. Shop MyNawashi
Knot Head Nylon
I just placed my first order with Knot Head Nylon, and I can’t wait to try it out. The colors are amazing, but what drew me to them was their rope. It’s nylon which means it can be washed and doesn’t have to be fluid-bound. It’s also safe for suspension which is something I’m interested in exploring. Shop Knot Head Nylon
Dye Addict Rope
Dye Addict Rope is a new-to-us retailer, but they’re well known in our local community (here in Florida) and we’ve heard good things about them. They offer both nylon rope and natural fiber rope, as well as rigging accessories. You can even order rainbow rope with multiple colors. Shop Dye Addict Rope
I plan to explore to rope bondage even more in the coming months. The next rope class in my area is already on my calendar. When we move (in summer 2019), if there’s not a rope group our new area, I might even start one. Learning never ends in BDSM, not even in the things you’ve done for years. I still consider myself a beginner, and I can’t wait to improve my skills.
If you have the option, I highly recommend classes in your local kink community. This lets you get hands-on practice with an expert who can help you in the process. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other kinksters with similar interests.
This week on episode 158 of the podcast, we’ll be discussing bondage in a variety of forms, not just rope. But now we’re curious, if you’re into rope — who are your go-to resources and where do you like to buy your rope? We’re always looking for new options! Share in the comments below or talk to us on Twitter!