Shibari ropes

My journey with different kinds of Shibari rope: the unique qualities, why I use jute or posh, and tips on rope care.

Jute shibari rope

Jute is the traditional rope for Shibari. It has almost no stretch, flows smoothly through the hands, and its natural ‘tooth’ ensures knots and frictions stay secure. For suspensions, I always work with 8mm jute. Compared to posh—which has more of a tendency to stick—jute can always be released easily, no matter how tightly the knot has been tied.

Posh shibari rope

Of all synthetic ropes, POSH is the one that feels the most natural and produces the least friction heat. I always use posh in workshops. After each workshop, the ropes go into the washing machine, and after one cycle they come out as good as new.

Look for it in the shop under 6mm posh shibari rope

Hemp shibari rope

Hemp rope is stronger and more durable than jute, though it can feel stiff in the beginning—usually it takes about five sessions before it softens nicely. With its higher breaking strength, hemp is better suited than jute for suspensions when working with 6mm rope. It’s also easier to wash than jute. Still, I personally lean towards jute, as it has a softer feel.

Jute has about 23% less tensile strength than hemp, which makes hemp better suited for heavier loads and gives it a longer lifespan. After intensive use, I usually replace jute ropes after about a year.

Caring for Jute Ropes

Cleaning

Wash only when necessary – Hemp and jute are naturally antimicrobial. I only wash ropes if they have been in contact with body fluids or sweat. Usually, it is enough to simply air them out. I often hang mine outside on a line in the sun.
Hand wash. – If you do wash jute, place the loose strands in a bucket with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Let them soak for 20–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Never use hot water, as heat shrinks and weakens the fibers.
Dry under tension – Jute fibers curl and shorten when wet. First hang the rope in loose coils until it stops dripping. Then stretch it fully and fasten both ends to stable points with a bit of tension. Let it dry this way to prevent a thick, shortened rope. You can even hang a small weight (like a bottle of water) in the middle to keep it taut.

Preparing Jute Ropes for Shibari

Factory-delivered jute is often untreated and may contain fuzz. Conditioning makes the rope softer, smoother, and more pleasant to handle.

Cut and knot – I cut the jute to the desired length and tie off the ends, usually finishing with a thistle knot.
Ontpluizen – Ik flos het touw een aantal keer door een ijzeren los en laat het over elkaar wrijvem. Daardoor wordt het soepel en komen pluizige draadje naar buiten op het touw. Klaar om af te branden.
De-fuzz – I run the rope several times through a metal ring and rub it against itself. This softens the rope and raises small fibers to the surface.
Oil treatment – With a linen cloth moistened in a 50/50 mix of jojoba oil and beeswax, I draw the rope through the cloth.
Heat set in oven – Finally, I place the ropes in the oven for 1 minute at 150°C. This allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the fibers.

Oiling & Ongoing Maintenance

As jute ages, or after frequent washing, the fibers can become brittle. Over time, I re-oil the ropes to restore their suppleness and prolong their lifespan.