Learning the Ropes - BDSM Rope Bondage for Beginners

Safety first

Rope bondage is a common practice in the BDSM community, however knowing how to use your rope and to work with it demands a lot of work and dedication, so to speak. So whether you’re new to BDSM or simply trying to learn some new tricks, we’re here to give you the perfect guide for rope bondage. From the different types of ropes, to different types of knots, safety, and aftercare.

Safety is imperative when it comes to any sort of BDSM play, which is why we will constantly be reminding you of the necessities before embarking on this journey, and we hope you take our advice for your safety and your partner’s.

Firstly, the ropes should never be tied tightly; leave room for one or two fingers between your partner’s skin and the restraints as movement can cause knots to tighten, so this additional wriggling space is necessary. Don’t be afraid to cut someone out if things go astray; your partner’s safety is the priority. Keep eye on the end of your rope, quick movement could cause it to jump and whip you or your partner. To avoid the unpleasant experience, try wrapping the rope around your hand.

The biggest concern when it comes to rope play is circulation, signs of circulatory problems vary, from tingling, loss of sensation, drop in temperature, or a change in skin color. And in the availability of any of these symptoms, it is important to stop the scene immediately. Use your safe word or action.

Last but not least, rope takes practice, so if you’re new to this, try practicing on a mannequin, a doll, or simply with your partner before trying to start a scene. Practice makes perfect.

Types of rope

Ropes are far more diverse than one might think, there are various textures, shapes, sizes, etc. So let’s start!

Silk
Silk feels exceptionally smooth against the skin, friction free and extremely comfortable. This makes it the perfect choice for beginners, as well as Japanese rope bondage.

Hemp

Although Hemp is the traditional choice, as it is durable and strong, and it adds aesthetics to your play. Yet hemp rope is considered uncomfortable, scratchy, and difficult to untie. Hemp is also the worst choice for suspension bondage, as it tightens when wet.

Silicone

Silicone is going to become your best friend, so you better get used to it! Silicone ropes are smooth, and stretchy while remaining restrictive. However, silicone can pinch the skin around the knotted areas that touch the surface of your partner’s skin.

Cotton

Cotton ropes may be comfortable, but they are also significantly stretchy, and have difficulty holding knots. In addition to them retaining moisture, which makes them fester with bacteria quite easily.

Synthetics

The numerous synthetic materials used on these ropes, like plastic, makes them the best choice for rope bondage. These materials can be smooth and vigorous, although difficult to bend.

Types of play

Symmetrical

Symmetrical rope bondage may be the most comfortable of all, making it the ideal choice for beginners. It promotes a calming environment, and delivers mirrored perfection.

Suspension bondage

We cannot stress enough how much training this type of play takes. Even then it is essential for an expert to be present, at least for your first few trials. And whatever you do, don’t leave your partner hanging.

Asymmetrical

Contrary to symmetrical bondage, this type of play is perfect for a punishment as it can be uncomfortable and harder to adapt to. For that specific reason we do not recommend beginners to this.

Japanese Rope Bondage

Not only this kind of play looks incredible but it feels that way too! With some of the ties actually intended to stimulate the best bits. This play uses asymmetrical positions to tighten the psychological and physical impact.

Girl/Boy Scout

Let’s hope you learned some knot tying as a kid or ever joined the scouts, though even if you didn’t we are here to help. So here are two knots to get you started.

1. The square knot is a good choice as it applies less pressure to the skin. Used for tying two ropes together, or both ends of the same rope.

2. A bowline knot is great for wrist and ankle binding as it will not tighten.

End Scene

You’ve finished the scene, now what? Well your partner is most likely feeling stiff, so after untying them, give them a sensual massage and show them some affection. It would be a good idea to have a blanket or a warm towel handy to stimulate blood flow.

Rope care

Ropes can last lifetimes, not simply to the end of a scene. It is essential to clean your rope prior to the first use and keep them off the ground during the play, this is to avoid bacteria. For aftercare, wash your ropes with warm water and soap, and make sure they’re completely dry prior to storing them. Hemp ropes can be washed on a gentle cycle in the washing machine or dishwasher, and Nylon and cotton ropes can be bleached, although it weakens the fabric overtime.

This is the need-to-know for now, hopefully it shed some light on the use of rope and how to care for them as well. Now what are you waiting for? Go ask your partner what they’d think of rope bondage if you haven’t already!