Most rope accidents happen because someone skipped something simple. This checklist puts the basics in one place: what to sort out before you tie, what to watch during the scene, and what to do afterwards. Keep it next to your rope.
Before you tie
- Talk first. What does each of you want, what is off-limits, and what does "stop" sound like?
- Agree on signals. A safeword, and ideally a traffic-light system. See red, yellow, green.
- Ask about health. Old injuries, joint problems, circulation problems, fainting, panic attacks, pregnancy, medication.
- No alcohol or drugs that dull judgement or feeling, for either of you.
- Safety shears within reach. In the same place every time.
- Plan the tie. Know what you are going to tie before you start. Do not improvise new ties on a person.
- Stay within your skill. If you have not practised a tie until it is automatic, do not tie it on a person yet. Am I ready to tie a real person?
During the scene
- Never leave a tied person alone. Not even for a minute.
- Nothing around the neck.
- Check hands and feet every few minutes. Warm, normal colour, can move them? Ask about tingling or numbness.
- Check breathing. A deep breath should always be possible.
- Ask, don't assume. People in rope often go quiet. Quiet is not the same as fine.
- Watch for fainting. Pale, sweaty, dizzy or suddenly silent means slow down, sit or lie them down and be ready to untie.
- Untie at the first warning sign. Tingling or numbness means the rope comes off now. If a knot does not open fast, cut. Rope can be replaced.
- Keep it short. For beginners, 15–20 minutes in one position is plenty.
After the scene
- Untie slowly, unless it is an emergency.
- Check for marks, numbness and weakness. Ask your partner to lift their hands at the wrists and spread their fingers.
- Aftercare. Water, warmth, something to eat, and time. Some people feel emotional after rope, sometimes a day later.
- Talk about it. What worked, what did not, what to change next time.
- Follow up. Numbness or weakness that stays should be checked by a doctor. Read nerve safety in rope bondage.
The one habit that prevents most mistakes
Practise ties until they are automatic before you tie a person. When your hands know the tie, your attention is free for the person in front of you. A practice doll is the easiest way to get there without a partner.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic safety rules in shibari?
Talk first, agree on signals, keep shears within reach, never leave a tied person alone, nothing around the neck, and check hands, feet and breathing often.
How often should you check on someone in rope?
Every few minutes, by asking about tingling or numbness and checking hands and feet.
What should you do if someone faints in rope?
Support them, lie them down on their side and get the rope off, cutting it if needed. Seek medical help if they do not recover quickly.
What is aftercare in shibari?
The care after a scene: water, warmth, food, time and conversation, and checking for marks or numbness.