The double column tie joins two limbs — two wrists, two ankles, or a wrist and a thigh — without squeezing them together. It is the second tie every rigger learns, right after the single column tie, and it is the one you will use most. The secret is the cinch.
You need one rope, two "columns" (two wrists, or two chair legs to practise on), and safety shears within reach.
What makes a good double column tie
- The wraps lie flat around both limbs together.
- The cinch locks the wraps so the tie cannot slide or tighten.
- The limbs are held, not crushed. Firm, not tight.
Step by step
1. Fold the rope in half.
Work with the rope doubled, bight at one end.
2. Wrap both limbs together.
Hold the two wrists (or ankles) side by side. Wrap the doubled rope around both of them together two times. Keep the wraps flat and parallel. Leave room: two fingers should fit under the wraps.
3. Make the cinch.
Bring the tails between the two limbs, then wrap them around the bundle of wraps in the middle — perpendicular to the main wraps, between the two wrists. Two turns is enough. This is the cinch. It locks the geometry of the tie so the wraps cannot slide off or close up.
4. Tie it off.
Finish with a knot between the bight and the tails, the same as on the single column: a somerville bowline, or a square knot while you are learning.
5. Test it.
Ask your partner to gently try to pull their wrists apart and to slide them. The tie should hold its shape. Then check that two fingers still fit between rope and skin.
The cinch is the whole game
Without the cinch, a double column is just loops around two wrists. Pull on it, and it slides, rolls and tightens. With the cinch, it becomes a stable cuff for two.
The most common mistake is pulling the cinch too tight. Its job is to lock the wraps in place, not to squeeze the limbs together. If the wrists are being pressed hard against each other, loosen it.
Where you will use it
- Wrists in front — the gentlest first restraint.
- Wrists behind the back — the start of many chest harnesses. Higher nerve risk; read nerve safety in rope bondage first.
- Ankles together — for floor and bed positions. See shibari positions for beginners.
- Wrist to thigh — a comfortable seated or lying position.
Common mistakes
- No cinch. The tie slides and tightens.
- A crushing cinch. Lock, don't squeeze.
- Wraps over the inner wrist. Move them a little up the forearm.
- Uneven wraps. Twisted rope creates pressure points.
- Too little space. Size is set once you cinch. Check before.
How to practise it
Two chair legs side by side are a perfect practice station. Drill it until it is automatic, then move to a practice doll's wrists and ankles, where softness and joints show you how the tie behaves on a body. Our practice dolls are made for this.
Next step: see the full order in shibari tutorials: 10 basic ties.
Frequently asked questions
What is a double column tie?
A tie that joins two limbs, such as two wrists, without tightening or crushing them together.
What is the cinch in a double column tie?
The wraps that go between the two limbs and around the main wraps. They lock the tie so it cannot slide or tighten.
How tight should a double column tie be?
Firm but not crushing. Two fingers should fit between the rope and the skin.
Is it safe to tie wrists behind the back?
It can be, but it carries a higher risk of nerve injury. Keep the tie loose, check for tingling often, and learn nerve safety first.