THE RIGHT ROPE

So, if you are new to the bondage scene, you may be asking "What type of rope is right for me?" Or, you may be branching out and wanting to try new materials in your bondage play. Either way, here is a brief rundown of different types of natural fiber rope and some of their attributes to help you decide. Currently, we are only offering jute and hemp rope.

Jute Rope
Jute is made from a soft plant fiber in the Corchorus genus. It is a slightly rough, light, and durable fiber. Jute's place in bondage had its beginnings in Shibari. Shibari, also known as Kinbaku, is the Japanese art of rope bondage. Shibari began in ancient Japan as a means to restrain prisoners. The modern use has many different facets and is not just appreciated for erotic stimuli, but also for its aesthetic qualities. The human body acting as the canvas for beautiful, geometric patterns.

Jute rope is light yet durable. Being lightweight, it's very maneuverable. Ties are easier and faster with less fumbling as you would have with heavier, bulky rope. Jute rope also has a lot of "tooth." This means it has a strong grip, holding ties tighter and with less slippage than synthetic rope. 

New jute rope can be a little coarse. This definitely isn't a bad thing, it just depends on your preference. The natural fibers of the rope can have a rousing, tingling feeling on the skin. One more sensation to bring into your bdsm play. It's great for kittens who are into the binding itself as a favorite source of stimulation, as opposed to only as means of restraint. Also, the more you use your jute rope, the softer it will become.

Finally, one of jute's trademark qualities is the beautiful visual marks it leaves on the skin. These painless imprints can last for minutes or sometimes hours, depending on the skin type and duration of restraint.

Hemp Rope
Hemp is made from various strains of the Cannabis sativa plant.  Hemp rope is popular in the bondage world and, like jute, had its start in Shibari. It's sturdy, durable. and fairly soft with a distinctive, earthy smell. Compared to jute, it is a more heavy and dense rope. Hemp rope has enough grip to hold knots securely and its tooth actually increases over time.

Hemp rope is less likely to produce rope burn as opposed to synthetic ropes. Even though hemp is reasonably soft, it is still strong and does not stretch easily. Being more dense, it's not as easily manageable for ties as jute. However,once you find your style, ease and speed will come naturally. Hemp rope will get softer and more workable with more use and washing. Even though over time it may look a little tattered, it still retains its strength and durability. 

Cotton Rope
Cotton, although it is also a natural fiber, differs greatly from jute or hemp. Cotton rope is very soft and it will not easily chafe or irritate the skin. However, cotton rope is not very strong and has a low breaking strength. This means that cotton rope is not suitable for any suspension work. Cotton rope also does not have a lot of tooth and knots may slip more frequently. And under tension, because cotton rope stretches easily, knots may tighten and become difficult to untie. However, if your kitten has sensitive skin or may love a softer, sensual rope, this may be a good option.