Shibari Academy

Imagine you are tying a loop around your thigh and now want to continue tying in a downwards direction where the rope is perpendicular to the loop you just created. There are several options for you to perform this task while making sure the loop is kept in place: 

1. Tie a simple square knot and then change directions. This would work but it would create a knot that could compact under tension, making it difficult to untie. It s also not the most comfortable or quick choice.
   
   
2. Create the loop using a lark's head and then simply change the direction of the rope. While this is the quickest and most comfortable solution, it will not do a great job at keeping the ropes securely in place.
   
   
3. Tie a Friction
   
   

As you can appreciate, in Shibari, there are several options to keep the ropes in place. Frictions are the answer to the conundrum between option 1 and option 2. "Frictions" is used as a blanket term to refer to the use of taking advantage of the rope's natural friction-creating ability to keep the ropes in place by tying it around itself. Frictions are quick to tie, easy to untie, and will remain solid under tension.

There are plenty of ways you can tie frictions. The one you use really depends on your personal preferences and what you want to achieve. In the case of the X-Friction, it is a great choice for when you want to attach ropes that cross each other in a T-shape. 

Have fun tying!

Eve