You don’t need to be a paying member to learn lots of great stuff! These free courses contain everything you need to begin having rich and fulfilling rope adventures!
Context, planning, risk management and safety:
- Understanding BDSM and “The Scene” in general
Am I normal? (Yes!), Are there others like me (Yes. Many!), How can I find them?, Is it safe to do so? What is “The Scene” really like? What are the expectations? - Consent
What it is, what it is not, what is a consent violation, what is not, and how to handle one should it occur. - A Framework for Negotiating and Planning a Successful BDSM Encounter/Scene – Finding a partner, vetting them, negotiation, planning, risk & safety, setting up & conducting a scene, aftercare, and emotional processing after a scene.
- Scene Negotiation & Planning
Including detailed safety & risk management, Common Risks When Using Rope and Nerves & Circulation - Scene Negotiation and Planning Tools like
- Suspension Preparation and Safety Planning
Foundations of Rope Bondage (a.k.a. Rope 101 & Rope 102)
Foundations of Rope Bondage is a series of over 35 tutorials that start from the ground and help you build all the skills you need for a solid understand of core rope bondage. Some people have a happy life of rope-filled adventures using only this material!
- Understanding the BDSM Scene, Negotiation, Safety, Risk Management & Finding a Local Mentor
- Rope itself – Choosing rope, creating your rope kit, handling rope, coiling and storing rope.
- The 4 Fundamental Knots
- Core Single Column Ties – several techniques for creating a rope “cuff” with a lead that can be attached to something else
- Core Double Column Ties – Wrist-to-wrists, ankle-ankle, ankle-thigh, wrist-thigh, wrist-ankle, elbow-elbow, …the list goes on…
- Building Blocks – A few core techniques that will allow you to do so much more! Including extending rope if you need more and using up rope if you have too much.
- A few Core Harnesses – Shinju, Pentagram Harness, Unchastity Belt and more!
Free Instructor Resources
Instructors are welcome to use TheDuchy as a reference and resource for classes they teach. We provide pre-created lesson outlines and downloadable resources that may be helpful.
Library of Free Content
The above list is in a curated order. If you start at the top and work down, everything will build on things before.
If you would prefer to jump to a particular topic, here is a full list of our free content:
A BDSM Experience and Curiosity Checklist
What is a "Hell, Yes!!"? What is a "Hell, No!"? What is a "?" Explore the list to expand your horizons!
A Framework for Successful BDSM Encounters
If you include these important elements, you are much more likely to have a successful BDSM (or other) encounter.
Some people are just here for the artistry, some people want to learn more. Here is a good place to start for both new and experienced players.
Adapting Ties for Various Bodies & Needs
Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate that you care for your partner by adapting your ties for their particular needs. Most ties can be modified to work with a wide range of different body types using only a few techniques.
Aftercare & Post-Scene Processing
The few minutes immediately after your scene are incredibly important in creating a wonderful overall experience.
The RTTHH is one of the fastest, most reliable ways to quickly anchor a rope that is under tension.
This is how to properly apply the various handcuff knots on this site, making them almost inescapable!
This is a very simple and popular harness and a good first layer upon which to build additional bondage
Here is one technique to integrate two cuffs into a single rope belt, making it a Bondage Belt 🙂
What choices you have when two ropes cross each other -- Twist, Crossing Hitch, Cow Hitch -- and how they are related
Building Blocks – Simple Strap Nodes
Here are three common approaches to creating nodes when making simple, one-wrap straps … and why you might choose one over another.
Whether you would like to hold your hips up or be more comfortable in suspension, core strength is key
Tie your partner’s wrists behind their neck in such a way that their elbows stick up like bunny ears!
A very fast, very stable single column tie. Once you master it, it takes only 20-30 seconds to tie
A very fast, very stable single column tie. Once you master it, it takes only 20-30 seconds to tie
CAS: Outdoor Scenes & Photography
Free Sample of CAS
Considerations for outdoor scenes or photo shoots
Considerations for outdoor scenes or photo shoots
This is a single column tie that is rapid to apply
Members Only - Suspension - What type of rope do you need for your suspension support lines ("up lines")
Classic (Square Knot) Double Column
When a rigger says simply “Double Column” this is probably what they are talking about (or you can use any DC you like).
Here are a few ways to coil and/or store your ropes
Consent is the Cornerstone of Everything We Do. Without it, much of what we do would legally be assault.
Continuing Your Rope Education
When people engage in BDSM activities, they put tremendous trust in each other. There are risks. You need to understand those risks and manage them.
Crossing Hitch (Munter Hitch or Nodome)
A Crossing Hitch, or Nodome, is used to anchor two cords that cross each other. Often used in shibari to make a tie more stable
A double coin knot is a decorative way of attaching two strands of rope together. Great for decorative Karadas
Extended Lark’s Head Double Column
This is the Extended Double Column. It can bind two things that cannot be place closely together, like your elbows
Three way to add rope to your tie if you need a bit more...
This attractive cross-shaped knot can add a decorative layer to a tie.
Fast Load-bearing Double Column
A rapid Double Column that will not clamp down on the wrists if the tail is put under tension.
There are many people out there that can help give you face-to-face training and mentorship. How do you find them?
Finding a Potential Rope Partner
If you are looking for a partner with whom to explore rope, go where such people may be more easily found!
A fisherman's knot is used to semi-permanently join the ends of two ropes together
A frog tie is just a double column tie applied in such a way so as to tie the ankle to the thigh
Here are a number of ideas how to use Easy ties to make a gift of yourself...
This simple wrap of rope around an object is a basic building block of many other knots
When instructions just say "lock it off" it usually means that it doesn't really matter how. Here are a few common ways.
Understanding how to move rope efficiently, add more if you need to, use up extra rope at the end and modify a tie for different body types are all important skills.
Like high heels on your partner? Want to keep them from kicking them off?
This body harness, with its diamond patterns and tight lacing, is lovely and stimulating for both parties
This reverse-tension double column is simple to apply and is snug and secure.
This is one of the simplest sliding (collapsing) knots. It should not be used for bondage directly, but is often the first step in other ties.
This reverse-tension single column is attractive, lies relatively flat, and is very secure.
Lashings connect two pieces of bamboo (two sticks, two dowels, whatever) together ... used to create bondage frames
If you plan to have any tension or load on your double column, you need to do so in such a way that the cords of the cuffs don't cinch down more tightly
Master the 4 Fundamental Knots
These four knots are the fundamental building blocks of shibari. Understand these, then go on to use them to build core rope bondage techniques like the Single Column, Double Column and more.
The Matthew Walker Knot - a great rope end or decorative knot. This shows how to tie it for 3, 4, 5, & 6-strands
This is pretty much the same as the Quick Cuffs, but with more loops so it looks a little cooler
Rope is already a risky activity. Putting rope around the neck even more so. Yet, some people *do* do it. The beginner's rule about neck rope is "Don't", but as people advance, if they want to explore neck rope, a more nuanced set of rules is needed...
Understanding nerves and circulation and how they may be impacted by rope is critical to reducing the risk of rope bondage.
This simple knot is commonly used to finish the end of a rope so it does not fray or as a stop knot
Very attractive and somewhat unusual, this harness can be a fun binding for your favorite witch. 🙂
This attractive harness can be lots of fun for religious- or occult-themed scenes.
Rope bondage is not safe. There are risks. Your #1 priority is to make sure you understand and manage those risks.
Here are a few ways to finish off the ends of your rope
Here are some forms to help guide negotiations prior to a scene.
Information helpful for planning out your suspension scene, including additional safety information
Setting Up & Conducting a Scene
The time has arrived for the scene you negotiated and planned. Take time beforehand to set things up for success!
This classic chest harness, known and practiced by riggers throughout the world, is simple, secure and, when applied properly, can be used for suspension.
A person with SFN may experience pain or other sensations in ways or to degrees that you might not expect.
This single-column tie requires no tail pulls and can therefore be applied when one end of the rope is already attached to something!
Pretty much the most basic knot for holding to ends of rope together. Used to "tie off" or "finish off" many ties
When someone says just “Single Column” with no other name, this is probably what they are talking about
Stretching for … Access from Behind
If you like being taken from behind, it is fun to have good hip flexibility so you can bend over comfortably
The key to being able to do a box tie or to get your elbows close together is flexibility in your *shoulders*
Suspension – Top or Bottom, Are you ready for suspension?
Who can suspend? Who can be suspended? Are you ready?
This attractive upper-chest harness is easy to create and is a great base layer for attaching more layers of rope.
Box Ties are popular with rope enthusiasts. Learn more about this position and things you can do to make it more comfortable.
Commonly known by the awful name "Crotch Rope", this simple waist harness has a little teasing feature. Think of it as an un-chastity belt made from rope 🙂
"The Scene" or "The Community" is a vibrant subculture. Like all subcultures, they have expectations that you need to understand and respect if you are to be successful.
Vetting a Potential Rope Partner
So you met someone that you think you might like to do rope with. Vet them first! See if they are known to the local community and what reputation they have.
Woven Hip Harness – One-Sided – Locked with Half-hitch
This attractive harness is fast to tie, looks amazing and is suitable for horizontal side suspensions on one side (hip weave side down). This version is locked with a Half Hitch at the back.
This forward-tension double column is simple to apply and is snug and secure.