In shibari, the position is as important as the tie. The same double column on the wrists is relaxed in front of the body and demanding behind it. Below are seven positions that work well for beginners on the floor or on a bed, which ties they use, and what to watch for in each.
The ground rules for all of them: safety shears within reach, never leave a tied person alone, and check in often. Our red, yellow, green system is a simple way to do that.
1. Seated, wrists in front
The gentlest starting point. Your partner sits on the floor or the bed, and you tie their wrists together in front of them with a double column tie.
Why it works: no strain on the shoulders, easy to talk, easy to release.
Watch for: placing the cuffs over the inner wrist. Move them slightly up the forearm.
2. Lying on the back, wrists above the head
Your partner lies on their back with the wrists tied together above the head, either free or tied off to the headboard.
Why it works: a classic bed position, comfortable for longer.
Watch for: arms above the head reduce blood flow to the hands over time. Check hands regularly and keep it shorter than you think.
3. Lying on the back, spread
Each wrist and ankle gets its own single column tie, tied off to the corners of the bed.
Why it works: simple ties, a strong feeling of restraint.
Watch for: do not pull limbs to full stretch. Leave slack so joints are not locked out. Have shears ready for four ties, not one.
4. Kneeling
Your partner kneels, sitting back on their heels, with the wrists tied in front or behind.
Why it works: a very traditional rope posture, stable and grounded.
Watch for: knees and ankles. Use a cushion under the knees, and do not keep it long if the feet go numb.
5. Wrists behind the back
A double column tie on the wrists, behind the back, with the person seated or kneeling.
Why it works: it is the step towards most chest harnesses.
Watch for: this is where the risk to the radial nerve begins. Keep the wrists low and loose, ask about tingling or numbness in the hands every few minutes, and read nerve safety in rope bondage first.
6. The frog tie, lying on the back
Each leg is folded and the ankle is tied to the thigh. Lying on the back, the legs stay open.
Why it works: one of the most popular floor ties, and very easy to get out of. Guide: the frog tie.
Watch for: the back of the knee. Keep wraps off the crease.
7. On the side
Your partner lies on their side with wrists and/or ankles tied. This is also the position to move someone into if they feel unwell in rope.
Why it works: comfortable, easy to breathe, easy to reach every knot.
Watch for: the lower arm. Make sure the person is not lying on a tied arm.
Two positions to avoid as a beginner
- Face down with the chest tied. Lying on the stomach with the chest or arms restricted makes breathing harder. Combined with a chest harness it can become dangerous quickly.
- The hogtie. Wrists and ankles tied together behind the back puts heavy strain on breathing, shoulders and back. It is not a beginner position, and it is never one to leave someone in.
How long should a position last?
For beginners, keep a position to 15–20 minutes and then change or untie. Shorter is better than longer. Circulation and nerves do not warn you in advance.
Practise the positions first
Positions are easier to learn on a body that does not get tired. Our practice dolls bend at every joint, so you can practise the ties for each position until they are smooth before you try them with a partner.
And if you want to see these ties in motion, the Sensual Shibari Video Course is a beginner's guide to floor and bedroom play.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest shibari position?
Seated with the wrists tied in front, using a double column tie.
What shibari positions are dangerous?
Face down with the chest tied, and the hogtie. Both affect breathing and are not for beginners.
How long can someone stay in a shibari position?
For beginners, 15–20 minutes is a good limit before changing position or untying.
Do I need a bed frame for shibari positions?
No. Most positions work on the floor or a bed without anchor points. A frame is only needed for spread positions.