Types of rope recommended for Rope Bondage

• Natural: Hemp, Jute or Cotton
• Synthetic: MFP (Multi-Filament Polypropylene) Derby or Utility Solid Braid.
• Cotton/Poly Solid Braid Rope often used for clothesline.

Avoid ropes with a core and outer casing such as climbing rope, camping rope, boating rope, paracord and anything from the 99 cent store.

Recommended Rope Sizes

Recommended Diameter: 

1/5" to 1/4" about the size of a No.2 pencil

Western Standard 1/4" or 6.35 millimeters (mm)

Eastern Standard 5mm to 6mm  [5mm = 1/5"]

Recommended Lengths for Shibari:

Western Standard is 30 feet or 9.14 meters (m) per average size hank or bundle for Shibari.

Eastern Standard is 7m to 8m per average size hank or bundle. 7m = 22'11 5/8" and 8m=26'3"

Additional optional lengths: 50 foot bundle and smaller 10-20 foot pieces for cuffs.

A Western Bondage Kit is usually MFP or synthetic rope and the recommended lengths are:

Four 10 foot lengths

Two 20 foot lengths

One 30 foot length

One 50 foot length

Wash natural rope in cold water by hand or on the gentle cycle in a pillow case or lingerie bag with Liquid Laundry Soap, unscented or allergen free detergent recommended. 

We recommend cold water because it's gentler, doesn't shrink natural fibers and the rope will retain it's integrity longer.

If you hand wash a salad spinner or bathing suit spinner is helpful to remove excess water to help the rope dry quicker. 

Drip dry under tension to remove kinks and stretchiness.  

When should you clean your rope? When it's dirty.

Can I use hot water? Yes especially if it is soiled with body fluids. Safety is more important than the longevity of your rope. People can't be replaced but your rope can and should be replaced when too worn or frayed to be safe.

There are many options to choose from. The diameter is important, most people choose something that is 1/4" or 6mm which about the diameter of a No. 2 pencil. 

If it's smaller than 1/4" or 6mm diameter it often cuts into the skin too much and the knots cinch down too tight making it hard to untie.

What safety equipment is recommended for rope bondage? EMT/Safety/Medical Shears or Scissors in an easy to see color so you can locate it quickly in an emergency. Accidents happen sometimes, in Rope Bondage if the rope tightens in a way that causes harm creating a blood flow restriction it may be necessary to cut the rope to save limb or life. Use caution!

What people choose to tie with is based on many personal preferences like softness or fiber and what type of rope is safest for the tie being executed.

If you're doing regular rope bondage with no weight bearing components as long as it's around that 1/4" diameter and it's a solid braid or twist you should be fine.

When you start doing rope bondage that is weight bearing involving partial and full suspension the choice of rope is much more critical. You want something with with a good tooth that doesn't stretch. Most people use a quality Jute or Hemp made for rope bondage. However many western rope bondage enthusiasts like MFP rope which is synthetic and a bit slippery. The slickness of this type of rope requires some special additional knots and lock downs to stop the rope from slipping loose.

Carabineers and Suspension Rings are tools that are often used for Rope Bondage Suspensions. There are many resources out there, however it's important to obtain quality equipment from a reputable vendor. Locking Carabineers that are rated for rock climbing are recommended. Suspension rings should be steel with a solid weld and smooth finish.