In my shibari practice, I particularly enjoy creating chest harnesses. They are not only visually stunning but also provide a sense of security and highlight the natural curves of the body.
Models often appreciate the way these shibari harnesses accentuate their body shapes, celebrating their curves, and creating a harmonious blend of aesthetics and comfort. A rope chest harness usually feels very supportive and comfortable for models - you can even find them practical as dress-up or festival wear!
The process of tying a chest harness can be both relaxing and creatively fulfilling, allowing for endless variations limited only by your imagination. Time to express your creativity!
In this blog, I’m going to show you 16 of my favorite variations of chest harnesses! (Yes! So many!) Plus, I’ll give you some tips on how to create your own rope harnesses too.
*all the tutorial videos (quick reels or/and detailed YouTube videos) are added as links under the descriptions, since the content is marked as 18+ and won't show if it is directly embedded
A chest harness is a type of shibari tie that focuses solely on the chest area, not extending to the hips or involving the arms. These harnesses can vary widely, from purely decorative designs to those that can restrict breathing, depending on the tying style.
First of all, understanding basic knots and ties is essential. You'll need to be familiar with flat knots, half hitches, double coins, and more. Knowing basic ties such as the ladder, diamond karada, mermaid tie, and triangle bra will also be helpful.
If you're new to these techniques, consider exploring a course like "Shibari Discovery" by Voudou Ropes, which covers all the necessary basics.
Let’s start with the basics! Start with a basic diamond, create a few more hitches, and then improvise. Change the knots, add more openings, or pull the upper wraps to create a bra-like appearance. All of these chest harnesses can be tied in 1 minute!
Here is a video of 3 simple harnesses and it includes a Karada style one!
Quick Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs_CwO1tTc5/?igsh=MWtkb3RiaTFydjF0bQ==
Youtube video: https://youtu.be/pO06kFk3wPg
Simple, but oh-so pretty. And you can even self-tie this one too.
Build this classic shape with nodome knots and half hitches.
Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxfsWWhupcY/?igsh=MTB1ZjNqaG56MjNzcQ==
This is a very simple but great looking harness, that wil create a bra from ropes and show off the best curves of your model’s body. Here we use nodomes, cowbell knot and wraps.
Quick reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CixUCUtr-av/?igsh=MXFheHo3OTBtdzN3cg==
Youtube tutorial: https://youtu.be/RlLeTz1hz84
This Mountain chest harness only uses weaving and half hitches. The multiple rope lines create a dramatic look and you can change the placement of the ropes to truly make it your own.
Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0UrVv-OehY/?igsh=dWVibWdubmJrajF1
This chest design is named as it looks like a candelabra! The Candelabra harness is a great decorative tis that leaves a lot of room to explore by yourself.
Here we combine elements of weaving and the important knots - nodomes (munter hitches).
Youtube: https://youtu.be/GQXLnV13grk
Inspired by the ocean, this harness style adds a mystical touch, resembling a mermaid's form.
The repeating method is simple enough even for beginners, and unties quickly too.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/pju7RsUZtfU
If you want to try something a little more technical, you can try combining different techniques. In this shibari “carnaval harness” I combined a karada made with half hitches and pretzel knots, with a corset made of a mermaid tie. Finally, I and added pretty shoulders using a cowbell knot.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/4g4MArSQFRg
Named after a photoshoot I did inspired by the stunning architecture of Merida in the Yucatan, Mexico, this shibari chest harness tutorial allows you to combine a variety of knots and created something that is very decorative.
In this Merida harness I start with a karada, but use double coin knots instead of regular flat knots, and decorate it on the sides with a beautiful touch of hanging ropes.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/Iyfj1Xon84s
The classic pentagram! The regular shibari pentagram is fairly simple to make, but is so popular and is a must know for any shibari enthusiast.
In this video I show how to add a corset to your pentagram.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/pmO9kgGrTPU
Let’s make underwear from our rope! No, seriously! This shibari bra may be a little complicated, but it’s worth a try!
In this video, I explain 2 types of bras you can make. First you make a base and then you weave the bra on the top of your base.
Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0mNy9auxeG/?igsh=MXhiNnd4MnU2OWd4bg==
Youtube: https://youtu.be/rxXf1rpltBk
This shibari harness is a huge mix of knots, but it’s a great piece that you could wear to your next festival - just accessories it with boots and lots of glitter! You will need to know how to tie double coin knots, nodomes, and a mermaid tie to make this.
It is really fun to make, will spark your creativity - but beware - your fingers might get quite tired with this one!
For this shibari chest harness, i was inspired by a woodlane elf, as you can see from my beautiful model. This harness has an original way to start it and you will need to keep in mind the whole pattern while you tie it, so you can adjust all the tensions accordingly.
Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cj8SI8svGMd/?igsh=MThrdzhsemVvMm83Yw==
Youtube: https://youtu.be/sGTmfGwE7iU
This shibari chest harness is a good example of taking care of all angles of your model’s body as your tie!
The aim is to build a mermaid tie in the back, while keeping a karada shape in the back… It’s quite a challenge, but you can do it!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/aBxnjFalOLU
For this beautiful shibari harness you will need your model’s help! The loops and tension is easy enough, but holding it all in place while you tie is where it gets complicated. Don’t be afraid to ask your model for a hand (or two!)
This reminds many people of a knitting process ;) try it here
Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2AGybPMxCV/?igsh=MXZ2ZjBjN2tkbXBxbQ==
Youtube: https://youtu.be/CRBLP889wns
Love is in the air? Well, it will be if you tie this chest harness! This is quite a simple shibari harness that creates a heart pattern with nodomes and half hitches. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ck099APL-aT/?igsh=dG5tNmNtOXY1NHRv
Youtube: https://youtu.be/vV-CY9iMrfk
This is a challenge for everyone who loves weaving… This amazing-looking shibari chest harness will make your model feel like they are really wearing a piece of clothing!!
Reel: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYRdfwmqEgT/?igsh=N3l3dXo3ZG9iZzZq
Now that you’ve seen my ideas and designs for a rope harness, why not try and come up with your own!?
Inspiration for rope chest harnesses can come from many sources:
Architecture:
Recreate the shapes of beautiful buildings. Maybe you saw a beautiful building, and want to repeat the shapes you saw there. Maybe you noticed a nice pattern in the wall tiles or on someone’s clothing that really stayed in your mind. Try creating those patterns with rope.
Patterns:
Draw from intricate tile designs or unique clothing patterns.
Shapes:
Mimic the shapes of things, for example, trees or vases.
Fashion:
Integrate elements from inspiring fashion designs.
Art:
Respond to artworks seen in museums. Maybe you went to the museum, saw a piece of art that inspired you to create something in response to it.
Music:
Let the rhythm guide your creativity.
Model:
The biggest inspiration of course will be your model!! Maybe you want the harness to compliment your models body, pointing out all the curves (for this i recommend incorporating bras and corsets into the harness)
A great way to start is by drawing simple shapes on paper and then translating those designs onto the body.
For more free shibari chest harness tutorials and to go deeper and create your own designs, the "Shibari Discovery" course offers a comprehensive and friendly introduction to the art of shibari.
This course is perfect for anyone looking to explore their creativity and learn the basics, so you can have a great start in Shibari!
Explore the world of shibari chest harnesses and discover the beauty and creativity they can bring to your practice. Happy tying!
We hope you liked this blog post on Shibari Chest Harness Styles.
Which chest harness is your favourite?
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