What are the must-know shibari ties? Of course single column tie and double column tie.
Shibari, the ancient Japanese art of rope tying, is a beautiful and intricate practice that blends artistry, intimacy, and trust. One of the fundamental knots to know in Shibari is the double column tie.
This versatile and secure tie can be used in various contexts, as a base from which many other ties can start, or in a stand-alone context, to support or restrain parts of the body. This makes it an essential skill for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
In this blog post, we'll explore the steps to create a double column tie, its uses, and important safety considerations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The double column tie is designed to bind two parallel columns (parts of the body) together. These columns can be wrists, ankles, legs, or any combination of limbs.
The tie provides a secure and even distribution of pressure, minimizing discomfort and the risk of injury. However, check for safety instructions below to make sure you are not doing anything wrong!
- Rope: If you want to go traditional, use natural fiber ropes like jute, typically 6-8 meters in length and 6-8mm in diameter. Also I highly recommend trying POSH ropes if you want something smoother! POSH rope is made of synthetic fibers, is very strong and easy to wash. You can buy POSH shibari rope here.
- Safety Scissors: Always have safety scissors or a rope cutter nearby to quickly release the ropes if needed.
- Begin by ensuring that both you and your partner are comfortable and have agreed upon boundaries and safe words. Check the condition of your rope to ensure there are no frays or weak spots.
- Find the middle of your rope (the bight) and place it under the two columns (e.g., wrists or ankles, or whatever else) you wish to tie together.
- Have your model place the two body parts that you will be tying together. When you begin this tie, you’ll naturally put these two wrists very close together, but leave some space (a palm width is usually about right) as you’ll need this space later to cinch the tie.
- Wrap the rope around both columns, 1 wrap only is needed, but for comfort or just thicker cuffs, you can use more wraps. Please make sure to leave a bit of slack around the body parts to prevent cutting off circulation.
- Ensure the wraps are even and snug but not too tight. No rope twists, no slack lines, and have some space in between the wrists.
- Cross the bight and the tail over the wraps and take the bight around the cuffs in between the wrists.
- Pull the ropes tight enough to secure the columns together without causing discomfort or restricting blood flow. If needed, adjust your wraps to be looser or tighter.
- Create a final knot to secure the tie. A square knot or a double knot works well.
- You will have a long tail of rope hanging, you can keep using that rope to tie arms to something, for a harness, bunny ears tie, or just as a leash.
Safety First! Here are some key points to remember:
- Communication: Maintain open and honest communication with your partner. Use safe words and check in frequently.
- Circulation: Regularly check for signs of impaired circulation, such as numbness, tingling, or discoloration. Read more here .
Never tie a double column tie too tight. Wrists are a sensitive part of the body and have a lot of nerve endings and blood vessels. You always have to be able to run 2 fingers in between the rope and your model’s wrists.
Do not suspend your model using just a double column tie, and avoid putting too much pressure on their tied wrists. For instance, tying them to the bed in a way that prevents any movement, as it can be dangerous.
- Escape Plan: Always have a pair of safety scissors or a rope cutter within reach.
The double column tie is incredibly versatile and can be used in various scenarios, including:
Here are some ideas of starting your shibari ties with a double column tie.
(attached photos - hug tie, ladder tie, Z arm tie, Ladder tie)
The double column tie is a fundamental technique in the art of Shibari. By mastering this tie, you can build a strong foundation for exploring more intricate patterns and deepening your bond with your partner.
You can learn how to tie all the basic knots, including the double column tie, and single column tie with the course Shibari Discovery by Voudou Ropes.
Remember, the essence of Shibari lies in mutual trust, respect, and the beauty of shared experiences. Stay safe and keep trying!
We hope you liked this blog post on Double Column tie.
Have you already tried variations of shibari knots that start with a Double Column tie?
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