Tortoise Shell Bodysuit - bondage tutorial

Here’s a variation on the basic diamond pattern “rope dress” popular in basic Japanese Shibari bondage. The version shown here uses simple overhand knots, but you could use the Double Coin Knot just as well for a more decorative piece. The Tortoise Shell is more than a pretty piece. It makes a wonderfully functional torso harness that’s rich with hand holds for grabbing your partner. Plus, it still maintains accessibility for even more fun ideas.

Rope length: 50 to 80 feet

Rope diameter: 3/8 inch to 7/16 inch

Start with the middle of the rope around the back of your partner’s neck. (Come on, you should know this by now!)

Just below the breast line, tie a Square Knot or a Double Coin Knot or even a Cross Knot.

Tie two more knots, each at an equal distance down along the front.

Bring both ropes under the crotch and up the back. Thread them under the rope that’s around the neck, pulling the ends through.

Pull each rope off to its own respective side…

and begin winding each rope around itself, so that it looks kind of like a noose. Each rope should be wound from the inside to the outside (in opposite directions).

After about four or five turns, tie the ropes together with an overhand knot. Make sure both rope ends come out on top of (not under) the vertical ropes.

Coming from under the arms, thread each rope under the vertical ropes at the front, above the first knot. Then pull them back under the armpits.

Thread each rope under its side of the vertical ropes on the back, starting below the previously tied overhand.

Just like above, wind each rope around itself, four or five turns, and secure it with an overhand.

Bring each rope to the front and thread it under its side of the vertical ropes, between the first and second knot. Pull each rope around to the back.

Just like before, wind each rope around itself, four or five turns, and secure it with a Square Knot. The ends of the rope should come out in front of the ropes.

Bring each rope to the front and thread it under its side of the vertical ropes, below the second knot. Pull each rope around to the back.

Thread each rope under its side of the vertical ropes on the back, below the previous Square Knot.

Bring each rope to the front and thread it under its side of the vertical ropes, layered just below the previous rope, then back to the back. Repeat this four or five times.

Tie each rope off at the back by winding it once around the vertical rope.

Then, bring the end back under the rope to form a small bight.

Bring the end of the rope over the vertical rope and thread it through the small bight…

and tighten it. Do this to tie off the rope on the other side, too.

Now you have a beautiful piece that gives you many places to hold, especially when you’re in a touchy situation!