Shibari Academy

The overhand knot is one of the simplest and most fundamental knots in rope work. This simple knot is one of those knots that has been with us for most of our lives. Most of us learned it when we were little when tying our shoelaces. As adults, we often use two of these, one over the other, when we're tying up our trash bags. Hikers use this knot to tie ribbons on trees to mark trails in the mountains. Basically, it's one of those knots that's so useful that it's found a way into the everyday lives of most humans.

In Shibari, it is often used as a stopper knot, meaning that it prevents a rope from fraying or slipping through another object. Despite its simplicity, it can become difficult to untie when subjected to significant weight or strain.

I find this knot a great way for you to get acquainted with Shibari ropes at the very beginning of your journey. It's a knot you already know how to do, but now you are doing it with new materials, a new feeling and a new purpose . So use this knot to get a feel for your ropes. Tie several simple overhand knots on a single rope with different tensions and at different speeds. This part of your Shibari journey is about getting to know both the ropes and yourself. So enjoy the simplicity of the overhand knot that allows you to focus on other things, like how the rope feels in your hands. Is it smooth? Is it rough? Does the rope diameter allow you to make this knot comfortably or is it too wide? Does the rope material create enough friction for this knot to hold? Be curious and allow yourself to fully engage with your ropes and above all, have fun tying!

Eve