Dr. Bondage's

Basic Rope Techniques

There is no single "right way" to tie someone up.

There are different ways to apply bindings, and positions that are ideal for different body types.

Here are some ideas to start with!

The "Paula Klaw" Bondage Style

Wrap, Twist, & Cinch

1. Center the rope over two limbs and wrap both ends repeatedly around both limbs. Don't wrap too tightly. Stop when you have just enough left to do one more circle.
2. Stop at a central point (between the two limbs) and twist the ends against each other -- like turning the corner at an intersection.
3. Having changed direction, wrap the ends between the two limbs to cinch. Pull the cinch tight. Then make a square ] knot.

Why wrap the rope repeatedly?--To distribute pressure evenly.

Why change directions by twisting to make an "anchor point", instead of just changing directions at random? -- To keep the rope from pinching against one limb.

Why cinch? -- To tighten the bondage between the limbs and make the wrapping more secure.

Why wrap loosely and cinch tightly? -- The bondage will "hug" each limb securely and provide a more pleasant sensation for the captive. (Credit John Savage.)

I've made a mini-movie MPEG demonstrating the basic "Paula Klaw" tie on Kelsie Chambers; it's at my Yahoo group. Log in to Yahoo Groups, go to Bedroom Bondage Yahoo Group, and visit the Files section.

The Double-Rope Bondage Style
(Popular U.S. style developed from Japanese roots)

Fold, Wrap, Turn, & Cinch

	1. Fold (double) the rope at the center.  Doubled rope wraps more evenly and comfortably. The folded point is called the Lark's Head.
	2. Wrap once, bring both ends through the Lark's Head, and reverse direction to continue wrapping.
	3. Stop when you only have enough left for about one more wrap.
	4. Turn both ends perpendicular and pull them through the Lark's Head.
	5. Separate the ends (one heads North, the other heads South); wrap them at a right angle from the original wrapping. This cross-wrapping is called the cinch.
	6. Stop cinch-wrapping when you're almost out of rope.
	7. Bring the ends together and tie a square knot.

I've made a mini-movie MPEG demonstrating the basic Double-Rope technique; it's at my Yahoo group. Log in to Yahoo Groups, go to Bedroom Bondage Yahoo Group, and visit the Files section.

Basic Wrist Positions

Rope isn't well suited for tying a solo limb. If you try it, make sure you're binding a "bracelet" and are not pulling all the tension on just one wrap. A superior alternative is a handkerchief. Wrap it repeatedly around the limb and knot; then tie your connector rope through all of the 'kerchief wraps.

Wrists Palm to Palm
The wrapping is horizontal, the cinch is vertical. As time passes, the sub can change arm positions to relieve muscle strain.

Wrists Crossed
This looks sexy. Since the elbows will bend outward and the arms should not be forced in by bondage, don't add torso/arm ropes.

Japanese Wrists
The elbows are bent at right angles and the forearms are parallel in the small of the back. The wrapping is vertical and the cinch (optional) is horizontal. A preferred wrist position for people with broad shoulders.

Hammer locked Wrists
Yow! This is a strict variation on the basic Japanese position. The wrists are crossed upward, into the area between the shoulder blades. For slender, flexible subs only.

Basic Ankle Positions

Parallel Ankles
Nice if you want the sub trying to roll around on their own.

Easy Crossed Ankles
This adds a feminine look to the legs.

Strict Crossed Ankles
Instead of the calves being almost parallel, they're roped so that the knees are forced apart. Best for access to that sensitive pleasure place.

Hobbles and Bar-Wraps

"Bar-Wrap" / Hobble
A Hobble features less Wrap and more Cinch, with space between the two limbs.

Elbow Bar-Wrap
Though flexible subs can touch their elbows together behind their back, for most people there needs to be space between the elbows. A hobble above the elbows will add security to arm bondage.

Hobbled Ankles
Not recommended for leading your sub around; try tying only the knees instead -- they have better balance and it's safer.

Hobbled Wrists
If your sub isn't flexible, you might not be able to tie their wrists together. A hobble between the wrists is a workable solution.

I've made a mini-movie MPEG demonstrating the basic Double-Rope technique; it's at my Yahoo group. Log in to Yahoo Groups, go to Bedroom Bondage Yahoo Group, and visit the Files section.

Harnesses

Yoke Chest Harness
Stand behind your captive. Place the Lark's Head in the center of her back. Wrap the chest (including arms) above the breasts, then wrap below the breasts. Bring the ends through the Lark's Head to reverse direction, then pass the ropes under one armpit to her front, up over her shoulder, behind her neck, down in front of the other shoulder, under the armpit, to the back, finishing at the Lark's Head. Separate the rope ends, put one through the Lark's Head, and tie a square knot with the two ends.

I've made a mini-movie MPEG demonstrating the basic Double-Rope technique; it's at my Yahoo group. Log in to Yahoo Groups, go to Bedroom Bondage Yahoo Group, and visit the Files section.

Yoke Harness for Hand Support
With a Yoke Harness, the weight of the wrists and arms is supported on the shoulders. Tie the wrists behind the back, with the forearms horizontal (Japanese wrists). Separate the rope after knotting, bring each end through one underarm, to the front, and up behind the neck. Knot the ends together. Use this as an alternative to the wrists-up-to-back-of-collar tie, which is unsafe -- don't place pulling pressure on the front of the neck!

Bikini Chest Harness
Begin the same as the Yoke Chest Harness, standing behind your captive, with the Lark's Head in the center of her back, wrapping above and below the breasts.  After you bring the ropes through the Lark's Head, direct the ropes straight up over her shoulder, to her front, run the ropes between her breasts, reverse direction, up over the other shoulder to her back, and tie the knot at the Lark's Head.

I've made a mini-movie MPEG demonstrating the basic Double-Rope technique; it's at my Yahoo group. Log in to Yahoo Groups, go to Bedroom Bondage Yahoo Group, and visit the Files section.

ANY QUESTIONS?

"You once made mention of teaching a class on bondage techniques in California. That class is a bit far away for me. Would you have information on a video or website that would accomplish the same thing?"

I made a how-to video that Close-Up sells: "How to Make Your Lover Helpless" (CUE-10). Maybe I spent too much of that video emphasizing role-playing and scenes. But it does cover the basics of rope technique.

Don't go for the "Learning The Ropes" video series sold on the web -- that series is about D/s, not rope work.