A simple chest harness is one of the best ties to learn on yourself. You can reach every part of it, you feel exactly what the rope does, and you learn more about tension in ten minutes than in an hour of watching videos. Here is a simple self-tie chest harness, step by step.
For a bigger picture of what self-tying can and cannot teach you, read shibari self-tying for beginners.
Before you start
- Shears in reach of a free hand, always. See safety shears.
- No arms in the rope. When you tie alone, your hands must stay free. This harness leaves the arms completely out.
- Nothing around the neck. Ever, when you are alone.
- A mirror helps to check that the wraps are even.
You need one 8 m rope.
Step by step
1. Start at the front.
Fold the rope in half. Hold the bight at your sternum, just below the collarbones.
2. Upper wraps.
Wrap the doubled rope around your upper chest, above the breasts, under the arms and around the back, and back to the front. Do this twice. Keep the wraps flat. You should be able to breathe in deeply without the rope stopping you.
3. Lock the upper wraps at the front.
Pass the tails through the bight and lock them with a half hitch around the wraps, so the band holds its size.
4. Go down to the lower wraps.
Bring the tails straight down the centre of the chest to just below the breasts.
5. Lower wraps.
Wrap twice around the lower chest in the same way, and lock them at the front onto the vertical rope with another half hitch.
6. Over the shoulders (optional).
Take one tail up over each shoulder to the back, down to the wraps, and tuck it around them. This stops the bands from sliding down. Tie off at the front, where you can reach.
What to check
- Breathing. A deep breath should be easy. If not, loosen the wraps.
- Even wraps. Use the mirror.
- Knots where you can reach them. When you tie yourself, every knot must be where your hands can undo it.
What self-tying teaches you
- How much tension is "enough" — you feel it directly.
- Rope handling without someone waiting for you.
- Why flat wraps matter. A twisted wrap on your own ribs is very convincing.
What it cannot teach is how a harness sits on a different body, or how to tie behind the back. For that, practise on a practice doll or a partner.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tie a chest harness on yourself?
Yes. A simple harness tied from the front, with the arms left free, is a great self-tie.
Is self-tying shibari safe?
It can be, if you keep your hands free, never put rope around your neck, keep every knot within reach and have shears next to you.
How much rope do you need for a self-tie chest harness?
One 8 m rope is usually enough.
What should I practise after a self-tie chest harness?
Tying the same harness on a different body, such as a practice doll, to see how it sits on someone else.