Being a Shibari Model (Rope Bunny): Tips, Safety & Community Guide

Shibari isn’t just about the person holding the rope – it’s equally about the person in the ropes. If you love the idea of being the one tied up in beautiful knots, or you’re already exploring life as a shibari rope model (affectionately known as a “rope bunny”), this guide is for you.

We’ll discuss what it means to be a rope bunny, share tips for those who want to model in Shibari, cover safety from the bottom’s perspective, and offer advice for both photographers and riggers working with rope models.

In the rope world, we’re all in this together, quite literally tied by a common passion.

What Does It Mean to Be a Rope Bunny (Shibari Model)?

In the Shibari community, the person being tied is often called a rope bunny (or rope bottom, or simply model). The term “rope bunny” is used playfully – it implies someone who loves hopping into rope and enjoys being the canvas for rope art. To be a rope bunny means you enjoy the experience of surrendering control and feeling the rope on your body.

You might relish the physical sensations (the tightness, the floaty feeling of a good tie) or the emotional ride (trust, vulnerability, adrenaline, zen – all the rope “feels”). Rope bunnies are the yin to the rigger’s yang – without a person to tie, the rope has no purpose! (unless we are talking self-tying, but that’s a whole different story ;)

It’s important to note that being a rope bunny does not mean being passive or powerless. On the contrary, a great rope model is an active participant in the scene.

Rope bunny = Partner, not prop.

You contribute to the scene by communicating your feelings, adjusting your body as needed, and bringing your own energy to the rope experience. Some rope bunnies identify as submissive in a BDSM sense (finding fulfillment in giving up control), but not all – rope can also be a creative or meditative outlet for the person tied, without any D/s dynamic.

Also, the terms can vary: some prefer “rope bottom” for a general term, and use “rope bunny” as a cute/slang term among friends. There’s also “rigger” or “rope top” for the person tying, and both rope top and bottom together might identify as rope partners. If you’d like to add Japanese terms to your vocabulary - they are 縛り手(shibarite - rigger) ・縛り受け(shibariuke - model) . Literally Shibari hand and Shibari receiver.

In essence, being a rope bunny is about trust and collaboration. You allow the rigger to use your body as an artistic landscape, and in return, the rigger honors that trust by tying safely and with care.

It’s a role that can be deeply rewarding. Many rope bunnies speak of rope sessions as being therapeutic or empowering, where they can let go of everyday stress and float in “rope space” (a relaxed, altered state some experience). It can also be challenging – ropes can test your physical limits and emotional boundaries. That’s why knowledge, preparation, and mutual respect are so crucial, which leads us to our next sections.

Preparing to Be Tied: Tips for Shibari Rope Models

Whether you’re getting tied for the first time or you’ve done it a lot, preparation can make a world of difference in your comfort and safety. Here are some tips for rope bunnies to get ready for a session:

Take Care of Basic Needs First

Before you start, do a little self-check. Are you hydrated? (Dehydration can increase injury risk or cause cramps) Did you eat a light meal an hour or two ago? (You don’t want to feel faint from hunger or too full and nauseous.)

And, yes, use the restroom beforehand – nothing worse than needing to pee when you’re all tied up! These seem obvious, but in the excitement of a rope scene, they’re easy to overlook.

Stretch and Warm Up

Treat a rope session a bit like a workout or yoga session for your body. Doing some light stretching or movement can warm up your muscles so they’re more pliable. Focus on areas likely to be stressed: shoulders, back, legs. However, avoid intense stretching right before rope; current best practice suggests dynamic warm-ups (gentle joint rotations, shaking out limbs) rather than deep static stretches.

You don’t want to overstretch and then load weight on that muscle. Save deep flexibility training for separate times. But coming in warm will help you handle the positions better.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Choose outfit pieces that won’t interfere with rope. Many rope models go with form-fitting, athletic-style attire (like leggings, shorts, tank tops) or lingerie. Avoid collars, chunky belts, or jewelry that could snag. If it’s a photoshoot, you might have a specific wardrobe, but still think: can I move in this? Are there hard bits that rope pressing on will hurt? Remove any metal and hard accessories for the tying portion.

If you want to incorporate heels or fancy outfits for photos, often riggers will tie you and then add garments over or after the rope is applied for the shot, to maintain safety. Or, of course, we can always tie around the outfits if that is the conceptual idea behind the shoot..

Prepare Mentally

Check in with yourself mentally and emotionally. Are you feeling up for being tied today? It’s okay if you’re a bit nervous – that’s normal. But you should feel a baseline of comfort and trust with the people you’re working with.

Some rope bunnies find it helpful to do a short meditation or breathing exercise to center themselves before a scene. Also, consider what you want from this session – is it to challenge yourself, to relax, to create art? Setting a little intention can help you communicate with your rigger and get the most out of the experience.

Safety Kit (for bottoms)

Usually, the top brings safety gear, but bottoms can be proactive too. If you have long hair, hair ties or pins will help you avoid hair getting yanked. If you have any medical needs, keep that accessible.

You might bring your own safety shears as backup, showing you’re educated and prepared. And have some water and maybe a snack for aftercare ready in your bag.

Communicate Any Health Concerns

Before the tying begins, let the rigger/photographer know if you have relevant health issues. This could be physical (e.g., “My right shoulder dislocates easily, so please avoid putting too much pressure on it” or “I had surgery on my ankle, so let’s not tie that leg”) and mental/emotional (e.g., “I can get claustrophobic if my arms are bound too tightly for too long” or “I had a bad experience once, so if I say stop, I really need to stop right away”).

Good riggers will often ask, “Any health concerns I should know about?” – be honest! They’re asking so they can tie you safely. Common things to mention: joint issues, nerve sensitivities, blood pressure problems, breathing issues, medications that make you dizzy, PTSD triggers, etc. It’s all about informed consent.

Do Not Workout A Lot A Day Before

Sore muscles do not feel great in rope! It might be tempting to hit the gym hard the day before your shoot or rope session, especially if you want to feel toned and strong. But trust me -your body will thank you if you keep things light! Rope puts pressure on your muscles and joints, and if you're already sore or fatigued from a tough workout, the experience can quickly shift from enjoyable to uncomfortable.

Sore muscles are more sensitive, which can make certain shibari ties feel sharper or even lead to cramps or strain. If you want to feel your best in rope- fluid, relaxed, and able to enjoy the sensations -give your body a rest day before your session.

Know What You Want To Feel And Explore

Before your session, take some time to reflect: What kind of experience are you craving? Are you hoping for something soft, sensual, and grounding? Do you want to feel held and safe? Or are you curious about pushing your limits with more intense positions or transitions? It also helps to think about specific positions or shapes you'd like to try—whether it’s a beautiful chest harness, a decorative leg tie, or something more adventurous like partial suspension.

Once you have a sense of what you want, be ready to clearly communicate that to your rigger. Don’t worry about having fancy rope language—just describe the feelings or ideas you have in mind. A good rigger will listen, offer feedback, and talk through what’s realistic based on your body, their skills, and safety considerations.

Sometimes, they may honestly tell you that a certain tie or idea isn’t possible for them—or that it might not be safe in your particular case. But in many situations, they’ll be able to suggest a modified version that achieves a similar vibe, or they may even refer you to another rigger who specializes in what you’re looking for.

Clear communication = Better, safer, and more satisfying rope sessions for everyone.

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By taking these preparatory steps, you’re setting yourself (and your rope top) up for success. You’ll feel more comfortable and confident going in, which can enhance the whole experience. Remember, as a shibari model, you have a say in how things go – preparation is part of exercising that agency.

Rope Bondage Safety from the Bottom’s Perspective

When you’re the one being tied, safety isn’t just the rigger’s job – it’s a shared responsibility. Here’s how you, as a shibari model, can actively contribute to a safe rope scene:

Learn About Rope Safety and Your Body

Knowledge is power. Take time outside of scenes to educate yourself on basic rope safety. For example, learn where common nerve compression points are: wrists (radial and ulnar nerves), upper arms (radial nerve), thighs (femoral nerve), etc.

A great tip is to learn nerve self-checks. For instance, if your hands are tied, you can touch your thumb to pinky finger – if you suddenly can’t, that might indicate nerve impingement. Or flex your feet and check if you can still wiggle your toes freely when in a leg tie. Knowing these little tests can help you catch a problem early.

There are online tutorials (some on Instagram or YouTube by rope bottom experts) about nerve checks. Invest some time in them.

Speak Up Early

We’ve emphasized this before, but it can’t be overstated. The moment you feel something isn’t right – say, a sharp tingling in your arm, or your fingers starting to go numb – tell your rigger immediately. Don’t tough it out or assume they know.

From the bottom, it might feel like you’re being a bother, but in reality, you are helping the rigger do a better job. Good riggers want that information. You can use a simple “Yellow” if you have a system (meaning “pause/adjust”) or just plain language: “Hey, my right hand is starting to tingle.” A competent rigger will immediately adjust tension or reposition the rope.

Pro safety guideline: if an adjustment doesn’t fix it after one or two tries, ask to be untied from that portion. Better to change plans than risk an injury.

Know Your Limits (And Push Them Gradually)

Every rope bunny has different tolerance. Some can be in a chest harness for an hour, others start to hurt after 10 minutes. Some love the squeeze of tight rope, others need it a bit looser. Part of the rope journey is discovering your limits. Listen to your body – it will send signals (discomfort, cramps, emotional overwhelm) when approaching a limit.

Don’t let anyone push you drastically past your comfort in one go. If you’re modeling for a photoshoot and something is too arduous to hold, say so. They can adjust the pose or take breaks.

Have a Safe Word & Use It if Needed

Always have that escape hatch. It’s not just for dramatic emergencies – it can be for when you’ve hit your limit, physically or emotionally. If you ever feel panicky, or something is wrong and you can’t articulate in detail, just use the safe word (e.g. “Red!”). That should result in an immediate untie. There is no shame in calling a stop.

Rope can put people in vulnerable headspaces; using a safe word is a brave act of self-care, not a failure. Rope can lead to serious injuries, so always speak up to avoid it!

Avoid Self-Endangerment

Sometimes, bottoms make risky choices too – like not informing their top that their hand went numb 10 minutes ago because they “didn’t want to ruin the flow.” Or attempting to adjust a rope on their own mid-scene in a way that could make it worse.

If you’re tied, let the top do adjustments unless it’s something small you can safely fix (like moving hair out of rope). Don’t try to tough it out to impress or please – an injury will please no one. Also, if you feel yourself faint or going non-responsive, try to alert the top immediately (even if it’s just saying “I’m dizzy”).

Aftercare for Yourself

Ensure you get what you need after a scene. Some bottoms need to lie down, some need sugar, some need a hug. Voice that. Also, in the hours or days after, pay attention to your body: any numbness that lingers? any unusual pain? Most rope pinch effects resolve quickly, but if something persists (like a finger that’s still tingling the next day, or a shoulder that hurts badly), let your rigger know and consider seeing a medical professional if it’s serious.

A good rope community will want to support you if you got injured, not shun you; and understanding what happened can prevent it in future. Don’t silently endure an injury.

To be a responsible rope bunny, think of yourself as the co-pilot of a two-person team focused on safety. The pilot (rigger) is steering the scene, but you’re monitoring the gauges (your body signals) and communicating about the environment (how you’re feeling). Together you navigate to a safe landing (the end of the scene). And remember: you have the right to halt the flight at any time if you feel unsafe.

Building Skills and Confidence as a Rope Model

Being tied up might seem like it’s all about the rigger’s skill - but in reality, rope modeling is an art and a practice of its own. You can become a rope model if you want to. But like anything beautiful and skillful, it doesn’t happen overnight.

Those impressive shapes, deep backbends, or graceful suspensions you see? They’re usually the result of time, training, and trust. Many experienced rope bunnies have spent years building up their body awareness, learning how to communicate clearly, and understanding their own limits and strengths. When you try a pose and it feels off- it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing it wrong. It might just mean that the pose is not for you and you need to find a variation that will work, or you’re at the beginning of your journey and it .

Think of rope modeling like going to the gym: you train, your body adapts, and it gets better every time. You build endurance, flexibility, and confidence - but it also takes care. You have to tune into your body, stay honest about how things feel, and speak up when something doesn’t work. Rope modeling is not just about being tied- it’s about co-creating something intentional, sensual, and safe.

Give yourself the time to grow. You don’t need to start with the “crazy” stuff. You just need to start.

Read a full breakdown of how to build your skill here.

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Communication and Etiquette for Rope Bunnies and Riggers

A strong rope partnership thrives on clear communication and good etiquette from both sides. Let’s outline some do’s and don’ts for interactions between rope bunnies and their riggers (or potential riggers):

Communication and Etiquette For Rope Bunnies:

• Do communicate your desires and limits upfront. It’s not just the rigger’s job to ask; you should proactively share what you’re looking for. For example: “I’d love to experience a chest harness and maybe a partial suspension, but I’m not ready for full suspension. Also, I prefer not to be gagged or blindfolded, and I also don’t want my hair touched.” This gives the rigger a framework to work within.
• Do ask questions. If a rigger suggests a tie and you’re not sure what it is, feel free to ask, “What does that involve?” or “Have you done this tie often?” “Can you show me a picture?” A reputable rigger will gladly explain and show. You have a right to know what’s going to happen to your body.
• Don’t feel obligated to say yes. You can turn down a tie, a photo, a rope partner – even at the last minute. If you get a bad vibe or you simply changed your mind about doing rope on a given day, you can bow out. Aim to be polite: e.g., “I’m sorry, I’m actually not up for this tie/scene anymore.” A good community respects consent withdrawals at any point.
• Do practice good physical etiquette during tying. Try to stay reasonably still when the rigger is placing knots or wraps (unless they ask you to move). Sudden movements can throw off their work or cause rope to slip. If you need to shift, just say “One sec, need to adjust my leg” and ensure they heard you. Basically, work with them.
• Don’t grab or move the rope unless discussed. Some bottoms try to be helpful by moving rope or body parts on their own; this can sometimes mess up what the top is doing. First - tell the rigger that rope needs adjustment, they will do it for you. Generally, let the top handle the rope. If you think something needs adjusting, communicate it rather than fixing it yourself (with exceptions for urgent things like rope on hair or skin pinch you can easily free – those you can adjust and then inform “Oh, the rope caught my hair, I slipped it out”).
• Do show appreciation and give feedback. After a scene, if you enjoyed it, let your rigger know! A simple “Thank you, that was amazing – I especially loved the leg harness, it made me feel like a floating mermaid” goes a long way. If something could be improved, it’s also good to share: “Hey, just for next time, the chest harness was a bit high near my neck – place it lower, because I felt some pressure there.” Good riggers appreciate constructive feedback, as it helps them tie you better in the future. In the rope community, bottoms who can articulate their experience help everyone learn.

Communication and Etiquette For Riggers (advice that rope bunnies should expect from their partners):

• Do treat the rope model with respect and care. This means listening intently during negotiation, not treating them as interchangeable or just a prop for your rope. Every model’s body is different, so even if you’re experienced, show humility and adjust to this person’s unique needs.
• Don’t ego-trip. A rigger who is all ego (“I know what I’m doing, just trust me, I tied so-and-so in this no problem”) is a red flag. As a rope bunny, you should expect your rigger to be confident but not dismissive of your input. They should never make you feel bad for expressing discomfort or safe-wording. If a rigger says something like “Oh come on, tough it out, other models handle this,” that’s a breach of etiquette. Good riggers never compare or belittle.
• Do communicate what you’re doing, especially if the model can’t see. Riggers should give heads-up like “I’m going to lift your leg now, let me know if it’s too much” or “You’ll feel some pressure here as I cinch this knot.” As a rope bunny, you can expect this kind of narration, and you can ask for it if they’re quiet: “Could you let me know what you’re doing as you go? It helps me.” That’s a reasonable request.
• Do conduct themselves professionally, especially in photoshoots or public events. If you’re modeling for a photographer or demo, the rigger should still prioritize your safety over the demo/photo. They should also be mindful of your privacy/modesty concerns. For instance, if you’re nude for tying, a photographer/rigger should ensure only agreed-upon people are present and no stray cameras are recording. Photographers should ask permission before posting any images. These are standards you should hold them to.
• Don’t push or manipulate consent. Sadly, sometimes an overzealous rigger might try to convince a model to do more than they signed up for (“While I have you here, can we also try this suspension? It’ll be quick” , or “I think this will look great nude, let’s try it!”). That’s not cool unless you’re genuinely into it and enthusiastic. You should never feel pressured into a tie or a look. Etiquette is that riggers stick to what was negotiated, or ask first if they want to add something, making it clear it’s 100% optional.
• Do check-in after and follow up. As mentioned, a next-day message or check-in is good form. You as a rope bunny should expect that courtesy from a conscientious rigger. If they tie you and then ghost with no aftercare or follow-up, that’s not great. It’s fine if it’s a casual context, but even then, a “Thanks for today, hope you’re feeling good!” text is basic decency in this community.

Overall, etiquette for both parties boils down to treating each other with dignity, communicating openly, and prioritizing safety and consent over ego or goals. Rope is a team activity; etiquette is the playbook that keeps the team functioning smoothly.

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Photographing Shibari is also its own topic …

There’s a lot to know if you’re a photographer working on a Shibari scene. It’s not just about capturing a beautiful moment — it’s about understanding the etiquette, being patient, and working with care and intention. When rope is involved, the stakes are higher. You're dealing with tension, vulnerability, and trust — not just between the model and rigger, but with you too.

From getting clear consent to knowing when to pause for safety, there’s a right way to show up on set. If you’re serious about shooting Shibari ethically and respectfully, take a few minutes to read this.

Rope Community and Support

One of the wonderful things about Shibari is the sense of community it often fosters. Rope bunnies and riggers alike form networks – locally in rope dojos and “peer rope” meetups, rope ‘jams’, and globally through online platforms. Tapping into this community can enhance your safety and joy for rope:

• Join Rope Jams or Bottom/Model Workshops: Some rope groups host sessions specifically for rope bottoms (sometimes called “Bottoms’ roundtables” or classes on bottoming). These are golden opportunities to learn from peers. You might learn tips on enduring difficult ties, share stories of challenges and triumphs, and even practice things like self-calibrating your limits in a safe, moderated environment. If none exist, consider informally gathering rope bunnies for a chat at a munch (casual meetup) – you’d be surprised how much knowledge exchange can happen over coffee.
• Online Resources: There are online forums and social media groups focused on rope bottoming. FetLife has groups like “Rope Bottoms” where people discuss everything from nerve injury recovery stories to how to vet riggers. Instagram often has educators  posting tips and myth-busting info for rope bottoms. Just remember, anyone can post – cross-reference advice and trust consensus from experienced voices. Look for writings by well-known rope bottom educators (Evie Vane, for example).
• Find a Mentor or Rope Buddy: In some communities, experienced rope bottoms might mentor newer ones – even if informally. This could be as simple as a more experienced rope bunny being willing to answer your questions or look out for you at events. You could also have a friend accompany you to a rope event as a “safety buddy” – even if they’re not into rope, having someone there focused on your welfare can be great, especially early on. Over time, you’ll become that experienced person who can help newcomers.
• Community Norms – Use Them to Your Advantage: Established rope communities often have norms and rules – like requiring consent negotiations, banning certain problematic people, or encouraging the use of safety equipment. If you’re new, observe and when in doubt, ask a community leader. Most rope communities are passionate about safety and will support you if you speak up about a bad experience. For instance, if you had an incident where a rigger ignored your safe word, it’s important to let others know (privately to organizers, if not publicly) so that it can be addressed. The rope scene is largely self-regulated, which means we look out for each other. You’re not alone; your fellow rope bunnies have your back.

In conclusion, being a Shibari model / rope bunny is a role that carries power, responsibility, and the potential for great fulfillment. You are the muse for rope art, the partner in rope play – without you, Shibari doesn’t happen. By educating yourself, communicating openly, and insisting on mutual respect, you ensure that your experiences are positive and safe. And by connecting with the rope community, you gain a support network that enriches your journey.

Final Thoughts: Tips for Being a Shibari Model

For rope bunnies: Your body, your rules. You have the right to enjoy the beauty of rope in a safe, consensual way that celebrates you. Never let anyone diminish your importance in the rope equation – a tie is 50% you (if not more, since you endure it!). Embrace the empowerment that comes from knowing you can stop a scene or guide it, that you can transform rope into a transcendent experience by offering your trust and requiring respect.

For riggers and photographers collaborating with shibari rope models: Honor the rope bunny. They are entrusting you with their well-being. There is a saying in rope: “Tying someone is a privilege, not a right.” Earn that privilege through care, communication, and competence.

Together, with these values, the Shibari community thrives as a place of art, connection, and mutual growth. So go forth – tie or be tied – safely, creatively, and with a full heart. Happy bonding, and welcome to the rope family! ❤️

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