Shibari Academy

The cat's paw single column tie is basically the lark's head knot with several twists, literally. That said, those extra twists make the process of tying this tie a lot different and slightly more elaborate than the simple lark's head. In the worlds of sailing and farming, this useful tie is used to secure ropes made from synthetic materials around a hoop. Ropes made from synthetic materials lack the friction created by natural materials and hence knots tend to slip a lot more. The extra loops in the cat's paw single column tie, provide a method to counteract the slipperiness of synthetic ropes and make sure the tie remains solid under tension. 

However, in Shibari, we have no need for this particular tie to remain solid. The cat's paw single column tie, when not under a lot of tension, allows the person being tied to easily escape, so it is obviously not used for immobilization purposes. Instead, Shibari practitioners have gotten creative and use it for flogging or to allow the person being tied to escape whenever they want. 

Being able to escape at will could prove a useful characteristic if the person being tied is especially nervous about the thought of being helplessly bound. Being aware of your partner's emotional well-being is paramount for a successful session and to make sure everybody involved has fun. Check out our lessons on considerations for tying and considerations for being tied for an in-depth explanation of what to be aware of (both physically and emotionally) and what to discuss before you begin tying.

Enjoy this easy-escape tie and have fun tying!

Eve