As a Shibari practitioner, I am often asked how to make good ropes. It is true it is not obvious how to make ropes that feel nice to the touch, are soft and flexible, non-abrasive, and have low friction for easy handling. This article is my response, sharing the methods I’ve developed through years of practice and experimentation.
Rope care is an essential skill for any serious shibari or kinbaku practitioner. Properly conditioned jute ropes are smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable to use, both for the rigger and the rope partner. In the video below, we’ll walk you through the key techniques for treating jute ropes, ensuring they’re both comfortable and durable.
Why Condition Jute Ropes?
Jute ropes in their raw state are abrasive, stiff, and prone to shedding fibers. Untreated ropes can cause skin irritation, handle poorly, and even degrade faster due to mold and bacteria. Conditioning them improves flexibility, reduces friction, and extends their lifespan.
Key Steps in Rope Conditioning
The conditioning process begins with boiling the ropes. This step softens the fibers, removes chemicals used during manufacturing, and enhances flexibility. However, it’s crucial to monitor boiling times carefully, as over-boiling can weaken the fibers and compromise the rope’s integrity.
Once boiled, the ropes need mechanical conditioning. This involves smoothing the rope surface by breaking in the fibers and reducing friction. One effective method is pulling the rope under tension through a guide like a carabiner. This ensures even conditioning and helps maintain a consistent texture along the entire length.
After mechanical conditioning, singeing the ropes comes next. Passing the ropes through a fully combusted blue flame burns away stray fibers, leaving a cleaner, polished surface. It’s essential to move the ropes quickly to prevent scorching while minimizing soot buildup.
Oil conditioning follows as the final step. Applying a light mixture of beeswax and natural oils like camellia or jojoba adds a protective layer, reduces friction, and prevents bacterial growth. The key here is moderation — too much oil can leave the ropes greasy, while the right amount enhances both durability and comfort.
My Personal Recipe
After extensive experimentation, I’ve developed a conditioning method that balances smoothness, flexibility, and longevity. I prefer using 5.5mm and 6mm Ogawa jute ropes. After boiling them for two minutes in tap water, I let them dry under tension for 72 hours, adjusting the tension twice daily. To mechanically condition them, I perform 100 pulls along the entire rope length. For singeing, I make three quick passes with a blue flame torch and then clean off any soot with a cloth. My oil mixture consists of 25% beeswax and 75% camellia oil, applied sparingly and allowed to absorb for 48 hours.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
Over time, regularly used ropes will become softer and more flexible. To maintain their performance, I recondition them whenever they feel dry or hairy. It’s important to avoid excessive singeing, as this can damage the fibers. With proper care, ropes become well-worn companions, offering comfort, durability, and enhanced performance.
Take your rope conditioning seriously, and your ropes will reward you with comfort, durability, and enhanced performance.
Louis Kordexe
