Rope Bondage 101
Dip your toes into the world of rope bondage. In this 2 hour introductory class we will go over rope types, maintenance, handling, safety, simple ties that can be enjoyed as is or form the building blocks for more complicated ties.
Instructors: Eth_aerial, katabound, BondageCupcakes
Single column deep dive
This class is all about single columns! Maybe you love the Somerville Bowline, but you’ve heard whispers of a fabled square knot and want to finally learn it. Or you’re frustrated by accidentally tying granny knots that slip open, so you default to a lark’s head with reverse tension because the bowline is baffling. Maybe you’ve wondered why we usually wrap a column twice—or why we hold the rope doubled in the first place.
We’ll learn all the common ways to start a rope on a single limb or object, then nerd out a bit on why they work the way they do. By looking at how different knots load, behave, and misbehave, we’ll learn which knots excel in different tying situations, and where they tend to fail, so you can choose your single column with confidence.
Self-tie or partner tie
Need 1 length of (7-8m, 30ft) rope, safe cutting tool, and mat to sit on.
Futomomos
The futomomo, or bent leg tie, is a classic for good reason. It creates a wide range of fun, secure, and restrictive sensations, and is a common tie used for floor work, self-tying, or suspension.
In this class, we’ll break down the foundational structure of the tie, including optimal placement, maximizing shin comfort, proper frictioning and cinching techniques, and how to build and reinforce a strong, reliable stem for attachment. We’ll explore multiple patterns, starting with accessible floor-based variations optimized for speed and dependable restraint, before progressing to a suspension-worthy version designed for stability and sustainability under load. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to tie a futomomo that is not only functional and beautiful, but remains structurally sound for your intended use and tying style.
Self tie or partner tie
Recommended prerequisite: any single column
Recommended supplies:
4+ ropes
Safety cutting tool
Mat to sit on
Rope Handling
Rope, just like any flexible material, can often seem to take on an attitude of its own. Especially when learning to tie, it’s easy to encounter a frustrating number of flow-disrupting knots, jams, twists, pinches, and blisters.
In this rope handling class, we’ll begin with targeted drills designed to help you work with your rope’s natural movement rather than against it. We’ll focus on healthy finger hooking, running end management, and smooth tail pulls in a variety of common situations.
From there we’ll learn additional techniques and tips to achieve proper tensioning, even wraps, centered stems, and clean, tight frictions. Finally using a simple harness pattern as a framework to practice all these skills together and build your confidence, fluidity, and control so your rope starts feeling like a partner in your scenes rather than an obstacle.
Self tie or partner tie
No prerequisites
Supplies:
2+ ropes
Cutting tool