Rope

[GermanGoddess]

My fiance and I have done some light bdsm as he's still warming up to the idea (I've always loved it). He gets really turned on by bondage and the idea of tying me up. I figure I should probably strike while the iron is hot and encourage that fantasy. However, I'm totally inexperienced with ropes and have no idea where to start. There's a lot of information in this forum, and I've been looking through it, but the amount is overwhelming. I'll keep looking through the threads and websites, but I wanted to get some advice.

I guess the best questions to start with are:
What material rope is best? (I need to be careful not to have any noticeable or lasting visible marks)
What size rope is best?
Where is the best place to buy rope?
What are the positions you enjoy most?
Anything else I should know?


Feel free to answer any of the above or give any related advice. I'm anxiously waiting...I'd love to surprise him some time soon
Thank you!

 

[Trinique_Fire]

Shibari

 

[Loverskitten]

Shibari

Shibari is beautiful but very advanced and time consuming.
I attended a "one minute bondage" class I found through Fetlife. I learned basic knots, harnesses, cuffs, but most importantly SAFETY. I would join there and ask around/look for demos or classes in your area.

I also asked the kind of rope question here before, this thread should help
http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=901882
1/4 inch nylon is what I got (if I recall?) from Home Depot.

 

[JustaSCOUNDREL]

Try Youtube and look for Two Knotty Boys. They have several, easy to understand, videos of different types of bondage rope work and knots.


As a warning rope bondage can be dangerous, ropes can be too tight or improperly tied knots may slip cutting off circulation, both the PYL and pyl need to be aware and be willing to stop everything should ether find a problem. The PYL needs to be extra attentive to the pyl and the bonds by checking frequently to make sure there are no problems.

Be safe and enjoy.

Mike

 

[GrrlFriday]

Shibari is beautiful but very advanced and time consuming.
I attended a "one minute bondage" class I found through Fetlife. I learned basic knots, harnesses, cuffs, but most importantly SAFETY. I would join there and ask around/look for demos or classes in your area.

I also asked the kind of rope question here before, this thread should help
http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=901882
1/4 inch nylon is what I got (if I recall?) from Home Depot.

Do those kinds of classes require that all participants should be prepared to model the knots, harnesses, cuffs etc. taught? I wanted to go to such a class many moons ago by myself, but I had the horrible thought that the instructor would say 'now pair up everyone and take turns tying each other up!'... and I wouldn't be comfortable with that.

 

[bhndblueyes88]

I guess the best questions to start with are:
What material rope is best? (I need to be careful not to have any noticeable or lasting visible marks)
What size rope is best?
Where is the best place to buy rope?
What are the positions you enjoy most?
Anything else I should know?

It certainly can be overwhelming!! My man and I only dabble, but I really enjoy when I do get tied up! And, although he'd never let me tie HIM up, I'd love to do it myself. I adore knots just as what they are, so any play with them is enjoyable to me on some level. In regards to your questions, as you said, there's a LOT of forum descriptions on here, but since you asked nicely... (and I secretly hope we can have a whole thread of people answering all these questions at once instead of scattered everywhere) This is some of what I've learned through my (albeit limited) personal experience, outside reading, and this site:

1) This is personal preference. There's benefits and caveats to most general types of rope. Personally, I prefer cotton or nylon ropes. Cotton is easily washed and usually pretty soft. The knots and wraps don't slip so much. IMO, nylons get less dirty to start with when "wet" is involved. Due to its ability to melt, it's also easier to cut/repair, but this also CAN lead to a knot melting together if it slips/pulls tied with enough friction (probably not a real risk, but I've had way too many pieces of horse gear do this). Nylon ropes have a lot of variance, but the soft white ones are, well, fairly soft. and they have yet to leave me any marks that last very long. Silk ropes are a common rope as well, but I have cheap ones that piss me off because of how they've frayed with use. That's about all my experience with them! Hemp can be fairly rough and, depending on what you buy, fairly stiff until it's worked with. But it can be soft as well, and some people love the scratchy sensation. I do, but I don't play with it to avoid rope marks where clients may see them.

Don't forget, you don't have to use "rope". Belts, scarves, ties, cords, zipties (safety scissors!!!)...all sorts of options!! Just to repeat for ANYTHING you use...SAFETY SCISSORS!!!

2) Size within a certain margin is personal preference and purpose. Obviously, you can't do intricate rope work on a little body with 1 inch thick boat rope. But, similarly, very thin rope can be quite cutting. Fiddle with various sizes to determine what works best for you and what you're doing. In terms of length, there's a lot of "templates" out there for kits, but once you get an idea what kinds of bondage you're doing at home, you'll find what works for you! BUY long lengths of rope. You can always make them shorter!

3) Home Depot/Bunnings/whatever equivalent you have!! I don't know if they have silk rope there, but you can get HEAPS of cotton, nylon and some hemp rope for a LOT cheaper than sex shops! And you can get whatever hardware you want in one stop! You can also check tack stores and feed/stock stores. Rope is common on the farm and in the barn, and you'll find some variety in Tractor Supply, Orshlen's, or whatever local stock shop you have! Some people do swear by certain stores online that specialize, but I don't think it's really worth if if it's a "sometimes food" and not a "food critic/chef specialty". <---OPINION.

4) I have a number of shitty joints that don't tolerate prolonged strain well, so I'm a fan of restrictive but SIMPLE positions. Honestly, I'm pretty content as long as I have something to fight, feel chafeing against my skin and that gives me a nice tactile pressure that feels "trapped" without being a panic button. One of my favorites is, essentially, restricted doggie-style with my thighs tied to calves and my wrists tied out in front of me so my arms are completely against the bed. I'm in that position a lot of the time withOUT rope, so I'm comfortable, but the addition of rope makes it SO MUCH BETTER!!

Take Home Message: Read up, Experiment and PLAY SAFE!! If you can't be assed to buy safety scissors, you're inviting danger, but at LEAST learn how to make knots simple and "quick release"!! I am a massive hypocrite, and a TERRIBLE PERSON, because I do a small degree of self-bondage without scissors ANYWHERE. But I ALWAYS keep a hand free, avoid the neck AND only tie quick release knots. With shitty rope that slips anyway.I AM A BAD EXAMPLE. DO NOT BE ME.

Besides, me has a partner who's skill...well...let's just say I can untie or plain wriggle free out of everything for the most part xD He tries!!

 

[thesexdoktor]

My fiance and I have done some light bdsm as he's still warming up to the idea (I've always loved it). He gets really turned on by bondage and the idea of tying me up. I figure I should probably strike while the iron is hot and encourage that fantasy. However, I'm totally inexperienced with ropes and have no idea where to start. There's a lot of information in this forum, and I've been looking through it, but the amount is overwhelming. I'll keep looking through the threads and websites, but I wanted to get some advice.

I guess the best questions to start with are:
What material rope is best? (I need to be careful not to have any noticeable or lasting visible marks)
What size rope is best?
Where is the best place to buy rope?
What are the positions you enjoy most?
Anything else I should know?


Feel free to answer any of the above or give any related advice. I'm anxiously waiting...I'd love to surprise him some time soon
Thank you!

you may contact me on these matters.

 

[Belvino]

If you go to Home Depot or some other hardware store just make sure the guy getting the rope works in that department, and knows how to run the machine that cuts the length of rope. Last time we were there my Dom got his fingers cut pretty bad holding the spool. The machine was right next to the ropes and the employee just completely ignored it. (He didn't work in that department apparently)

 

[Stella_Omega]

Do those kinds of classes require that all participants should be prepared to model the knots, harnesses, cuffs etc. taught? I wanted to go to such a class many moons ago by myself, but I had the horrible thought that the instructor would say 'now pair up everyone and take turns tying each other up!'... and I wouldn't be comfortable with that.

You're an adult, this is not a graded class and you get to do what you want and nothing you don't want.

That being said-- it's pretty much impossible to learn rope tying without tying rope...

You could probably contact the instructor before hand to talk about your qualms.

 

[GrrlFriday]

Thanks, Stella.

I was worried that I'd have to be a model for a stranger as well as practice the tying, and that not wanting to do that would be read as a mark of immaturity or inexperience, or stuff up the instructor's setup. I was just wondering if the 'pair up' scenario would have been as likely as I feared.

 

[Loverskitten]

If you go to Home Depot or some other hardware store just make sure the guy getting the rope works in that department, and knows how to run the machine that cuts the length of rope. Last time we were there my Dom got his fingers cut pretty bad holding the spool. The machine was right next to the ropes and the employee just completely ignored it. (He didn't work in that department apparently)

The mechine that cuts the rope also burns it, and at my Home Depot almost all employees know how to use it but it is locked up. I had a very patient girl helping me, as I needed 2 each of several lengths.

 

[Loverskitten]

Thanks, Stella.

I was worried that I'd have to be a model for a stranger as well as practice the tying, and that not wanting to do that would be read as a mark of immaturity or inexperience, or stuff up the instructor's setup. I was just wondering if the 'pair up' scenario would have been as likely as I feared.

I dragged my friend with me, which was a good thing because the neighborhood in which, the dungeon was, was really scary. (Wow that sounds odd to say) but once inside, the class was well attended (packed) and there were mostly couples but also some singles. The BDSM crowd is mostly extra helpful and welcoming. It was too short though but I learned a bunch. Sadly I forgot half of it as we went dancing and drinking at a club after.
They do need more beginners classes if you ask me.

Join Fet and check your area, I actually have seen local groups called "the ____[area]___ I don't want to go to events alone group" maybe you can find a girl friend to go with?

 

[Belvino]

The mechine that cuts the rope also burns it, and at my Home Depot almost all employees know how to use it but it is locked up. I had a very patient girl helping me, as I needed 2 each of several lengths.

Our guy worked in the lights department, and was the only employee we could find hanging around. He must have been new or something..