Cotton Rope And Kinky Dates

In the last week I had a conversation with my friend Dexter about cotton rope, and whether it’s as good as other kinds of rope. He VERY quickly discovered that I have some strong opinions here.

I frequently come across the perception that cotton rope is pretty much a rope for beginners, and other associated derogatory thoughts like that.

“It’s just what you start with.”

“It’s okay until you can buy something better. “

“It’s the cheapest good bondage rope you can get (and therefore not as valuable as other types).”

I’ve been slightly guilty of that thinking myself, to be fair, especially when I was starting out.

But in the last year, I’ve come to realize that cotton rope is actually an invaluable part of my bondage kit, and I wouldn’t be without it.

When I started out, I bought cotton rope. It cost less in comparison to other rope, and it felt very easy to tie with. Very sort of… forgiving, you might say. Most of the advantages of the more popular natural fiber ropes, with only a couple of disadvantages.

But then I wanted to try other ropes, the more “hard core”, more traditional rope, and I branched out into using synthetic rope, jute, hemp, and basically just tying with whatever I came across. I ended up with some favorites, and I did a lot with them.

This year, I’ve tied a few new people, and I noticed an interesting phenomenon.

With each new person, I found myself making sure that no matter who it was, the first time I tied them, I used cotton rope.

Which was really interesting.

Cotton Rope Is Great For A First Scene With New People

When I analyzed that trend, I found that subconsciously, I had several really good reasons to use this rope for a first scene with new people.

Take the last person I tied.

I’d never tied her before, and I had no idea what she was like in rope. I didn’t know if she would get really anxious or need to be untied really quickly, or have something occur where I would need to cut the rope.

Reason The First: cotton rope is easy to cut, and is cheaper to replace than jute or hemp.

I had a plan. I don’t currently have many points to tie off to in my bedroom, so I was going to tie her wrists first, bring the rope down her back, and then secure it by adapting it into a crotch rope tie. This meant that the rope would require washing later.

Reason The Second: cotton rope is easy to wash and doesn’t require reconditioning later on.

I also have this impression that for people who are not as used to bondage, soft cotton rope is less intimidating than your more fancy looking jute etc. It gives that feeling of bondage and being bound, but with a soft comfortable feel, and little chance of abrasion. I personally like my play partners to have an especially great time the first time they are tied by me, and it helps when they can relax into things.

Reason The Third: Cotton rope is soft and friendly.

Interestingly, I found out later that the woman also had rather sensitive skin (the kind that gets irritated by scented washing powder or laundry detergent) and had previously found that jute and other rope had irritated her skin and easily marked it. She thought that cotton rope (especially well washed cotton rope) wouldn’t have this problem.

It turned out she was right, and this was new learning for me. Bonus points!

Another very useful aspect of cotton rope, which I’ve made use of when traveling to go visit other play partners, is that it’s very light and compact, which can be very very useful when you have restricted capacity and weight has become a factor.

Is It Fit For Purpose?

The main point that I think needs to be considered for buying or selecting rope, is whether it’s fit for purpose.
Yes, cotton rope is cheaper than other ropes. That’s very true, and it does make it great for a first purchase when you’re not sure if you’re going to like this whole bondage business.

But more importantly, you need to consider what you’re going to do with it, and why. As I’ve already said, I’ve found that cotton rope makes for a really comfortable rope to use when tying new people, for a variety of reasons.

Would I suspend with it?

No, because it’s not a good rope for suspension. I’d pick jute or hemp for something like that, even for partial suspension. And I’ll often pick jute or hemp for other reasons, such as for photos, for different psychological or sensual effects, or just because I often feel like tying with it – especially my newer hemp.

But I absolutely find cotton rope to be great for:

• trying out whether you like bondage
• tying people new to bondage
• tying someone I’ve never tied before
• bedroom bondage in general

It’s always going to be a part of my bondage kit, when I have a bondage kit. And when I’m travelling, I’m probably going to make good use of cotton rope then as well!

Is cotton rope just for beginners?

Hell no. It’s for everyone who enjoys it and finds it useful or fun to tie with.

Which very much includes me.