August Tie Focus - Bunny Ears/ Wrist Over the Head
Share
Self‑Study Lesson: Wrists Over the Head Tie (Shibari)
Tie overview (August 2025 lesson)
The wrists-over-the-head tie is a classic shibari exercise that utilizes a double-column tie on the wrists and secures the arms above and behind the head. It creates a striking, restrictive posture and can be incorporated into more elaborate chest harnesses or used on its own for intimate scenes. This month’s version is designed for a mixed-skill audience (beginners through intermediate practitioners) and uses one 8m length of Ogawa jute rope. The tie is not intended for suspension; the bottom should support its own weight throughout the scene.
To complete this lesson, you should already be comfortable with single- and double-column ties, basic knotting techniques, and rope handling. If you’re new to shibari, practice the foundational ties described below before attempting the full wrists‑over‑the‑head tie.
Main Tie Inspiration
Wrist Over the Head Tutorial – Rory’s Brain Works (Beginner tie) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSx1sL4_gTM
Your Level
Novice – Foundational elements
Beginner – Main tie
Intermediate – Main tie + pattern variations
Advanced - Interpretive main tie: 1st principles used elsewhere.
Foundational elements
Rope terms and preparation
· Bight and working ends: The bight is the midpoint of the rope; the working ends are the two ends opposite the bight. Many shibari ties begin by finding the bight and wrapping it around the body part you intend to tie.
· Larks Head: This is the type of tie that is used in this month’s video. For a foundational skill, it is recommended to use a standard double-column (below) and get that in your hands first before learning another version. The Lark's head done incorrectly will collapse and can cause injury.
o The Dutchy https://www.theduchy.com/larks-head-single-column/#video
· Single‑column tie: Summerville Bowline
o Single column tie with a Somerville bowline knot- Silent Teddy Bear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbsxl__1OBA
o They Duchy https://www.theduchy.com/somerville-bowline/#core-technique-quick-overview
· Double‑column tie: A double‑column tie binds two limbs (for example, two wrists or a wrist and ankle) together. Wrap the bight around both columns twice, leaving extra slack. Cross the bight over the working ends at the top and center of the columns, and pass it between the columns and behind both sets of wraps. Make loops with the working ends and pull the bight through to form knots. The finished tie should be secure but loose enough to slide two fingers under the ropes.
o The Double Column Tie Tutorial - (Shibari / 緊縛 at Kinetik Speicher) https://vimeo.com/420519084
·
Safety considerations (must‑read)
1. Tie at your own risk. Shabari may be dangerous. Always be Safe, Sane, and Consensual.
2. Consent and communication: Discuss the tie with your partner beforehand and agree on signals for pain or discomfort. The top should check in often and adjust or remove the rope if the bottom experiences numbness, tingling, or sharp pain.
3. Space under the ropes: Always leave room to slide at least two fingers between the rope and the skin for starting knots; this prevents circulation or nerve compression.
4. Joint position: The tie forces the arms overhead; keep elbows slightly bent to reduce strain. If your shoulders or elbows feel stressed, lower the arms and adjust.
5. Duration: Do not leave any restrictive ties on for long periods. Release and massage the limbs regularly to restore circulation.
6. No suspension: This tie is not designed to hold weight. The bottom must keep their feet on the ground and support their own arms. Suspension without proper training and equipment is dangerous.
7. Hair care: If the rope touches hair, keep it away from the scalp and roots to avoid pulling or tangling. Use a hair tie or headband to organise long hair.
8. Rope condition: Inspect your Ogawa jute rope before tying. Remove frays or knots; condition and treat the rope if necessary. Never use damaged rope on a person.
Step‑by‑step instructions
1 – Set up and assess
1. Prepare the rope: Find the bight of your 8 m rope. Run your hands along the rope to check for twists and ensure it moves smoothly.
2. Position your partner: Ask your bottom to stand or kneel comfortably with their arms relaxed. Remove watches, bracelets, and sharp jewelry. If they have long hair, tie it in a ponytail to prevent tangling.
3. Warm‑up and safety check: Discuss safe words/signals and remind your partner that they can ask to stop at any time. Check the shoulders; raising arms overhead may strain joints, so verify that they have sufficient flexibility.
2 – Create the wrist double‑column tie
Note: The video uses a Lark's head double-column. If you are a novice, it’s recommended to use a standard double-column tie, as this reduces the risk of compression.
1. Form the double‑column base: Holding the bight in one hand, wrap it around both wrists twice, about 3–5 cm above the wrists. Leave extra slack at the bight so you can complete the knots. Ensure there is space for two fingers under the wraps.
2. Lock the wraps: Cross the bight over the two working ends at the top center of the wrists. Pass the bight down between the wrists and under both sets of wraps, then back up to the top. This secures the wraps without tightening them.
3. Secure the knot: Create a small loop with one working end and pull the bight through to form a half knot. Repeat with the second working end. Pull the knot snug but not tight. Test by sliding two fingers under the rope.
3 – Raise the wrists and anchor behind the head
1. Move the arms: Gently guide your partner’s bound wrists up and over their head so their hands rest near the top of their head or slightly behind it. Adjust the rope to avoid twisting or pulling on the wrists.
2. Lay the rope behind the head: Separate the two working ends. Bring one working end around the back of the neck from left to right, just above the shoulders, and the other working end from right to left. Cross the ropes at the back of the head and bring them forward over the opposite shoulder. Avoid placing rope directly on the throat.
3. Cross and tension: Cross the ropes again at the front of the body (across the collarbones or upper chest). Pull gently to create tension that holds the wrists in place but does not pull them back harshly. Check in with your partner.
4 – Wrap the torso and secure
1. Create a harness: Bring both working ends down the back (between the shoulder blades), keeping them parallel. Wrap them around the torso under the pectoral/chest muscles and around to the front. Cross the ropes at the sternum and return around the body to the back, staying just under the first wrap. These wraps distribute tension and keep the tie stable.
2. Lock the wraps: When you return to the back, tuck each working end under the vertical ropes running down the spine. Pull through to create a half hitch and cinch snugly, ensuring the wraps do not slip.
3. Finish the tie: Continue wrapping around the torso one or two more times as desired. When you reach the end of the rope, tie off using a square knot or two half hitches on a stable part of the harness. Tuck the remaining rope into the harness to avoid loose ends.
5 – Check and adjust
1. Safety inspection: Check the wrists for circulation and comfort. Ask your partner to move their fingers and tell you if they feel numbness. Adjust tension as needed.
2. Observe body alignment: Make sure the rope around the neck sits at the base of the skull and is loose enough to slip fingers under. The wraps around the torso should be snug but not restrictive.
3. Communication: Throughout the scene, keep communicating. If your partner experiences any discomfort, loosen or remove the rope immediately.
Practise and variations
1. Practise single‑ and double‑column ties: Repetition builds muscle memory. Practise on chair legs or your own limbs until you can tie smoothly.
2. Add decorative elements: Once comfortable with the core tie, you can embellish with extra wraps, weaving patterns, or decorative knots to personalise the look.
3. Explore chest harness integration: For intermediate learners, incorporate a chest harness (such as a hishi or diamond pattern) before securing the wrists overhead. This distributes the load and adds visual complexity.
4. Self‑tie option: Advanced practitioners can experiment with self‑tying this tie. Take extra care with positioning and safety since you must rely on your own body awareness.
Safety disclaimer
The information provided in this lesson is for educational purposes only. Always prioritise safety, consent, and communication when practising shibari. Never tie someone without their informed consent. Monitor circulation and nerve response throughout the tie, leaving room for movement and ensuring you can remove the rope quickly if necessary. This tie is not intended for suspension; do not allow the bottom’s weight to hang from the rope. If you are new to bondage, take a hands‑on class with an experienced rigger or practise under supervision. Shibari Circus LLC and the author assume no liability for injuries or damages resulting from the misuse of this material.