How to Hogtie Someone for Bondage or BDSM: Instructions, Safety & More

The safest materials and techniques for sensual, exhilarating bondage play

If you’re looking to spice up your love life with some bondage or role playing, the classic hogtie probably comes to mind. This sensual position binds your partners wrists and ankles behind their back, leaving them vulnerable for some playful, sexy fun. Although the hogtie is fairly common in the bondage community, it’s important to execute it carefully and to keep your partner safe and comfortable to get the maximum enjoyment out of it. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to properly bind your partner’s wrists and ankles, plus go over some important safety considerations to strengthen your mutual trust. Let’s learn the ropes!

Things You Should Know

  • Bind your partner’s wrists and ankles separately, then tie them together with another rope. Leave some slack along their back so they're comfortable.
  • Use rope that’s at least 5-7 mm (0.2-0.3 in) thick. Tie the rope firmly, but leave enough slack to slide 2 fingers between the rope and your partner’s skin.
  • Discuss both of your wants and limits before tying anyone up. Establish a safe word for when your play gets too rough and your partner needs to stop.
Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Binding the Wrists

  1. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 1
    1
    Lay your partner down on their front on a comfortable surface. Place them with their legs straight and their hands down by their sides on a bed, carpeted floor, or other padded area. Ask them to turn their head to the left or the right (whichever is most comfortable for them).[1]
    • If your partner is new to hogtying, have them lay on their back and then bind their wrists and ankles in front of them to make it easier on their body.
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    2
    Lift their arms behind their back so the wrists are roughly parallel. Keep a slight bend in their elbows to avoid strain, and aim to have their hands and wrists lay comfortably over their waist or on top of their behind. Picture how their hands would be placed if they were being arrested and handcuffed.[2]
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    Fold a rope in half and slide it underneath your partner’s wrists. The folded, curved end of the rope is called a bight. Maneuver the bight underneath your partner’s wrists so it protrudes to one side. Leave at least about 8 in (20 cm) sticking out so you have enough rope left to tie a knot later.[3]
    • Use a rope that’s about 8 ft (2.4 m) long so you have plenty to work with once you fold it in half.
  4. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 4
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    Wrap the loose (working) ends of the rope around their wrists 2 times. Hold the bight in place and coil the ends of the rope around your partner’s wrists, laying each coil of rope next to the previous one instead of stacking the coils on top of each other. Wrap the rope securely, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation or feels extremely uncomfortable.[4]
    • If you have lots of excess rope, make a third loop around your partner’s wrist.
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    5
    Cross the bight with the loose ends so they’re perpendicular to the rope. Grab the bight in one hand and the loose ends of the rope in the other. Pull them in toward each other like you’re about to tie them together, then cross one over the other on top of the loops of rope.[5]
    • Pull both ends so they extend parallel with your partner’s arms, perpendicular to the loops of rope underneath.
    • It doesn’t matter which direction the bight or ends point (they can go either way, depending on which end lays on top when you cross them).
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    Wrap the loose ends around the loops securing your partner’s wrists. Grab the loose ends and feed them between your partner’s wrists while holding the bight steady. Wrap them around the front and back of the wrist cuff rope so their wrists become separated (this is called a double column tie).[6]
    • Wrap the loose ends around at least one fun time.
  7. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 7
    7
    Use the rope left at the ends to tie a square knot with the bight. Hold an end of rope in each hand, then pass the right end over then under the rope in your left hand. Pass the rope end now in your left hand over then under the one now in your right. Tighten the knot by pulling both running ends at the same time.[7]
    • Your partner’s wrists are now securely tied, but not so tightly bound that they’re in pain or losing circulation.
    • If the rope is too tight or too loose, undo it and start again. Practice makes perfect!
    • If you’re struggling to rope their wrists or are concerned about circulation issues, try substituting handcuffs (they’re easier to adjust and remove).
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Binding the Ankles

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    1
    Have your partner bend their knees at a 90-degree angle.[8] Hold their feet together so they’re touching. To make your partner more comfortable, offset the feet slightly so one is a bit more forward than the other. This way, their ankle bones won’t be smashed together when you tie them.[9]
  2. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 9
    2
    Bend the rope in half to form a bight and wrap their ankles twice. Bind your partner’s ankles the same way you bound their wrists. Leave several inches of bight protruding to one side of their ankles, then wrap the loose ends of the rope around both ankles to hold them in place.[10]
    • Lay each coil of rope next to the one before it instead of layering the coils on top of each other.
    • Wrap firmly, but leave enough slack that you can easily slide 2 fingers between the rope and your partner’s skin so they don’t lose circulation.
  3. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 10
    3
    Cross the bight with the loose ends so they’re perpendicular to the rope. Grab the bight in one hand and the loose ends of the rope in the other, then pull them toward each other like you’re about to tie them together. Cross one on top of the other and pull them in opposite directions to form a cross sign with the looped rope around your partner’s ankles.[11]
    • Pull both ends so they extend parallel with your partner’s legs.
  4. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 11
    4
    Feed the bight between their ankles and wrap it around the rope. Similarly to how you bound your partner’s wrists, wrap the bite around the loops of rope securing their ankles 1 or 2 times (depending on how much rope you have to spare). This creates another double column tie where each ankle sits in its own cuff of rope.[12]
  5. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 12
    5
    Knot the bight and the loose ends to complete the tie. With the remaining length of bight, tie another square knot in front of your partner’s ankles. Their feet are now securely bound, but not so tight to cause a lot of discomfort or pain.[13]
    • The bight can point up or down, depending on which way you tie it.
    • If the rope is too tight or too loose, undo your tie and start again to make sure your partner is comfortable.
    • If you’re struggling to tie up their ankles or are worried about circulation, try experimenting with handcuffs (they’re faster to adjust and remove).
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Tying the Wrists & Ankles Together

  1. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 13
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    Make a bight with a separate rope and loop it around the wrist cuff. Bend your rope in half, then feed the bight end inside one wrist cuff, alongside the wrist (it doesn’t matter which one you start with). Once it’s through, reverse the direction of the bight and feed it the opposite way alongside the other wrist so it wraps around the dividing rope between your partner’s wrists.[14]
    • Once the bight is through, feed the working end of the rope through it and cinch it tight to secure it around the wrist cuff.
  2. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 14
    2
    Loop the loose ends of the rope around the outside of the foot cuff. Wrap the working end of the rope around the rope between your partner’s ankles. If they’re new to hogtying or bondage, leave plenty of slack between their ankles and wrists so they’re comfortable. If they’re experienced and comfortable with it, pull their ankles and wrists closer together.[15]
    • Loop the rope at least once to hold the ankles in place. Add as many additional loops as you can, but leave enough spare rope to tie your finishing knot.
  3. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 15
    3
    Make a knot with the excess rope from your binding and ankle ropes. Once you’ve wrapped your binding rope around the ankle rope, use what’s left to tie an overhand knot, a square knot, or whatever knot is easiest with the length of rope you have left hanging from the ankle cuff.[16]
    • Ask your partner if they’re comfortable with the slack between their ankles and wrists.
    • Make sure your partner can breathe comfortably once their wrists and ankles are connected. If their breath is labored, increase the slack on the binding rope.
    • If there’s not enough slack, undo your knot and lengthen the amount of rope between their ankles and wrists. Then, re-tie the final knot to finish the hogtie.
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Safety Considerations

  1. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 16
    1
    Use jute or natural fiber rope at least 5-7 mm (0.2-0.3 in) in diameter. Stay away from thinner ropes since these can cut into the skin and affect circulation. Rope is the most common option, but opt for cotton or silk materials if they feel better on your partner’s skin.[17]
    • Stay away from nylons, scarves, or low-quality handcuffs. These could cut off circulation or even cause nerve damage.
    • If you’re new to bondage, try using handcuffs around the wrists and ankles instead of rope. They’re easier to remove in case your partner needs a break.
  2. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 17
    2
    Keep ropes loose enough to put 2 fingers between them and the skin. This is secure enough to bind them, but loose enough to ensure good circulation. Watch out for skin discoloration, tingling sensations, or cold skin that signal circulatory problems.
    • If your partner experiences any of these symptoms, stop immediately and untie or cut the ropes so they can recover.
  3. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 18
    3
    Use EMT scissors to release your partner quickly in emergencies. If your partner is in distress (physically or emotionally) during play or if there’s an emergency, like a fire alarm going off, cut them out of the ropes immediately. Remember that ropes can be replaced easily, but your partner (or their trust) can’t![18]
  4. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 19
    4
    Set boundaries and expectations with your partner beforehand. Communicate with each other about what you’re comfortable with before tying anyone up. Be honest about the roles each of you wants to explore and what you’re comfortable experimenting with. Bondage and BDSM play depends on mutual trust, so make sure you’re on the same page from the very beginning.[19]
  5. Image titled Hogtie Someone Step 20
    5
    Establish a safe word before bondage play. Select a word that won’t come up in normal banter or dirty talk that your partner can use to signal they need a break or that you’ve crossed a boundary. Honor the safe word and check in with them when you hear it to make sure their needs are being met.[20]
    • Consider a second safe word ti indicate your partner is close to their limit, but not there yet. This lets you know to ease off or try something else.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Could we include duct tape?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You could bind someone's wrists or ankles with duct tape, but it would be way less comfortable for them and you'd probably have to cut them free with scissors.
  • Question
    What if they want to wear socks?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can hogtie someone over clothes (the person may feel more comfortable since the clothing can keep rope from rubbing into their skin). Just make sure to leave enough slack to slide 2 fingers between the ropes and their clothes to protect their circulation.
  • Question
    Is it okay if they don't have pants on?
    James Urwin
    James Urwin
    Community Answer
    It depends on what the person you are tying up wants and if they don't mind being tied up naked.

Warnings

  • Never leave a partner tied up and unattended. There is a chance they could experience circulatory or breathing problems and be unable to free themselves.[23]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽

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References

  1. ↑ https://badgirlsbible.com/bondage-positions
  2. ↑ https://badgirlsbible.com/bondage-positions
  3. ↑ http://www.kinkfriendly.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kinkfriendly_org_rope_101_compressed.pdf
  4. ↑ http://www.kinkfriendly.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kinkfriendly_org_rope_101_compressed.pdf
  5. ↑ http://www.kinkfriendly.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kinkfriendly_org_rope_101_compressed.pdf
  6. ↑ http://www.kinkfriendly.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kinkfriendly_org_rope_101_compressed.pdf
  7. ↑ http://www.kinkfriendly.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kinkfriendly_org_rope_101_compressed.pdf
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/8NroZJZvN-U?t=190
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/1MdkXCZVE90?t=27
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/1MdkXCZVE90?t=47
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/1MdkXCZVE90?t=73
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/1MdkXCZVE90?t=80
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/1MdkXCZVE90?t=105
  5. ↑ https://www.theduchy.com/hog-tie/
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/8NroZJZvN-U?t=271
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/8NroZJZvN-U?t=280
  8. ↑ https://feeld.co/blog/feeld-guides/bondage-basics-tying-someone
  9. ↑ https://feeld.co/blog/feeld-guides/bondage-basics-tying-someone
  10. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bondage-guide#4oOVkke2ZQsRS2GAmYERe5
  11. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bondage-guide
  12. ↑ https://badgirlsbible.com/bondage-positions
  13. ↑ https://badgirlsbible.com/bondage-positions
  14. ↑ https://feeld.co/blog/feeld-guides/bondage-basics-tying-someone
  15. Videos provided by Watts The Safeword

About This Article

Shelby Devlin, MA
Co-authored by:
Shelby Devlin, MA
Sex & Intimacy Coach
This article was co-authored by Shelby Devlin, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Shelby Devlin is a Sex & Intimacy Coach based in San Francisco, California. She has over 7 years of experience guiding individuals and couples in deepening their capacity for intimacy and pleasure. Shelby specializes in BDSM therapy, D/s, and fetish exploration. She earned an MA in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University and is certified in the Somatic Method, an experiential therapy modality. Shelby is also a certified massage therapist (CMT) and an associate practitioner of Ortho bionomy. She has a 5-star coaching rating. This article has been viewed 755,797 times.
4 votes - 75%
Co-authors: 43
Updated: March 20, 2023
Views: 755,797
Categories: Knot Tying
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