Rope – What should I choose?

We have curated a small overview of the types of rope that are used in rope bondage
The type of rope that appeals to each rigger and model is highly individual, and depends on what the rope will be used for
Will the rope be used for floorwork or suspension?
Should the rope feel soft and gentle on the skin, or torment it with a scratchy surface – and perhaps the aesthetics also play a role? Shoudl it be natural or synthetic rope?

Ropes are made using many different methods and processes
We suggest looking for a rope which is created specifically for use in rope bondage, and which is made without dangerous chemicals
Here in our shop we have, amongst other choices, ropes which are made entirely free from JBO
and all our ropes are made for use in Shibari / Kinbaku.

See all the ropes in our shop by clicking here

Rope – What should I choose?

The type of rope that appeals to each rigger and model is highly individual, and depends on what the rope will be used for Will the rope be used for floorwork or suspension? Should the rope feel soft and gentle on the skin, or torment it with a scratchy surface – and perhaps the aesthetics also play a role? . Shoudl it be natural or synthetic rope?

There can be many reasons for choosing a particular type of rope As a rigger, you have surely already got your own preferences as to which type of ropes suit you best. Perhaps though, you are a new beginner and would like to know more about specific ropes in order to choose those which you will use.

To make it easier for you to choose, we have made a small overview of the different types of ropes and their uses

Ropes are made using many different processes and methods. We suggest looking for a rope which is created specifically for use in rope bondage, and which is made without dangerous chemicals. Here in our shop we have, amongst others ropes which are made entirely free from JBO (JBO is a petroleum-smelling oil which is noticeable in raw and untreated rope.)

Here at Ropes & Riggers you can purchase ropes either treated or untreated, if you prefer to treat them yourself. You are welcome to treat your own ropes using oue Ropes & Riggers rope paste or rope oils.

You do not need to treat your ropes, but can use them raw and untreated, treated ropes are easier to work with and more comfortable for your hands to tie with.
Read more here about rope maintenance.

Jute

Jute rope is soft and holds knots well. It tends not to slacken, and has a good strength.

Natural fibre rope is generally a more expensive rope than a synthetic one such as nylon, and natural rope requires a certain amount of maintenance. Jute rope is flexible and soft. It is lighter than hemp rope.

There is a difference between treated and untreated jute rope. Here at Ropes & Riggers we offer both types.

We recommend our Asanawa jute rope, which is one of the finest ropes on the market.

Hemp

Hemp rope is uneven, has a rough service and can feel scratchy It is a strong rope, which hardly slackens, and is heavy.
Hemp rope is a heavier rope than jute rope

Hemp ropes are good for suspensions, hanging up bamboos and so on
Hemp rope is not suitable for people with grass allergies.

Coconut and palm rope

Coconut rope is a very tough and itchy rope which can easily cause burn marks
The natural fibres of the coconut rope can cause itching and feel uncomfy They are ideal for sadistic bondage, sensory play, predicaments and semenawa

Coconut rope snaps easily and is absolutely not suitable for suspension

Cotton rope

Natural rope which is ideal for beginners Cotton rope has a good resistance/grip that makes the knots easy to hold.
It gives a lot. It is flexible and has a medium level of friction. It is not as strong as jute and hemp.

It is not suitable for suspension It is good for floor work
Cotton ropes are often used for photoshoots, as they can be made in many different colours

.

Silk and bamboo

Delightful natural fibres, and a more expensive type of rope Silk is similar to bomuld in that it has a good amount of friction for knots. Bamboo has something of a lower level of friction, but does have some antibacterial properties

Nylon

Nylon rope is an artificial and cheaper type of rope The advantage is that they can be made in many different colours, and are stronger than coloured natural ropes.

They can yield a fair amount, and are very strong They have less friction and there is therefore a need for a greater number of knots in order to get the knots to hold For new beginners, nylon rope can prove to be a little too lovely, and slide too easily Nylon ropes can be washed in a washing machine on the handwash cycle

Ropes also come in differing diameters
Here are the most common diameters used in kinbaku / Shibari / Rope Bondage.

4mm

also called Dominatrix ropes, the thinner ropes can be used for binding male sensitive areas, hence the name.
They are also perfect for hair ties

5mm

This is a diameter that is becoming more commonly used, for smaller models, where the thinner ropes give a more pleasing aesthetic

6mm

The most commonly used diameter of rope for western Shibari, it is also the most preferable diameter for suspensions.

How long should my ropes be?

Well, it’s a good question. Most are between 7m and 8m but it is entirely up to the rigger and model
We personally use standard 6mm 8m rope, and beside that have made some First Ropes for the gote, which fit the model we are tying. This is what works for us, but you know best, what works best for you.
Japanese Shibari masters generally use 7m ropes. However, most western riggers use 8m and 10m ropes which better fit the size of their models, who are typically larger.
By using longer ropes, riggers can also create more complex and artistic patterns on the body It is important to note that your choice of rope length can vary depending on you as the rigger, your artistic vision, the specific scene or session

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Rope – What should I choose?