The karada is the rope dress — the diamond pattern down the front of the body that most people picture when they think of shibari. It looks complicated. It is not. It is a handful of simple knots and one repeated move, and it is a great first full-body tie.
The word karada simply means "body" in Japanese. The pattern is also called the hishi karada, after the diamond (hishi) shapes.
What you need
- One or two 8 m ropes, depending on the height of the person. If you run out, add rope by joining a new one at the back.
- Safety shears within reach.
- A standing or kneeling partner — or a practice doll to learn on.
Step by step
1. Find the middle and place it on the neck.
Fold the rope in half. Lay the bight across the back of the neck and let both strands hang down over the shoulders to the front. The bight should rest loosely on the neck. It must never tighten.
2. Tie the front knots.
With both strands together, tie a simple overhand knot at the top of the sternum, just below the collarbones. Tie a second knot below the chest, a third at the navel, and a fourth a little lower. Space them evenly — the spaces between the knots become the diamonds.
3. Take the rope between the legs (optional).
Bring both strands down and between the legs to the back. This crotch rope is optional; for a non-sexual or more comfortable version, stop at the waist and take the strands around to the back instead.
4. Up the back and through the neck loop.
Bring the strands up the spine and pass them through the bight at the back of the neck. Pull gently to take up slack. Do not pull hard — this rope is close to the neck.
5. Split the strands and make the first diamond.
Separate the two strands. Bring one under each arm to the front. Pass each strand between the two front strands in the gap between the first and second knot, then take it back the way it came. As you pull it back, the front strands open into a diamond.
6. Repeat down the body.
Take the strands around to the back, cross them, and come forward again at the next gap between knots. Each pass opens another diamond. Work down until you reach the last knot.
7. Tie off at the back.
Finish with a secure knot at the lower back, away from the spine.
Getting the diamonds even
- Space the front knots evenly in step 2. Uneven knots give uneven diamonds.
- Pull each strand out to the side by the same amount.
- Work slowly and adjust as you go. A karada rewards patience more than strength.
Safety
- Never let the neck loop tighten. The bight should rest loosely. If anything pulls on the neck, loosen it immediately.
- Watch breathing. The wraps around the ribs should not stop a deep breath.
- Mind the crotch rope. If you use it, it should not be tight. Skip it if it is uncomfortable.
- Keep shears close. A karada has many crossings; cutting is faster than untying.
Learn it on a doll first
The karada is all about even spacing, and that is something you see best on a still body. Tie it on a practice doll a few times and the move becomes automatic. It is also one of the ties that look best on Regina.
For more patterns, see shibari designs and patterns and the 10 basic ties in the right order.
Frequently asked questions
What does karada mean?
Karada means "body" in Japanese. In shibari it refers to the rope dress, a full-body harness with a diamond pattern.
How much rope do you need for a karada?
Usually one or two 8 m ropes, depending on the height of the person.
Is the karada a beginner tie?
Yes. It looks complex but uses simple knots and one repeated move.
Can you tie a karada without the crotch rope?
Yes. Take the strands around the waist to the back instead of between the legs.