Shibari 201: Harnesses & Patterns
Progressive Shibari Classes in Downtown Los Angeles
Shibari 201 is the second track of our Studio Series – held twice a month at Devil Mask Studio in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles. These classes focus on the iconic shapes and patterns of shibari: how to build them, why they work, and how to adapt them for different bodies, aesthetics, and scene goals.
You don’t need to know the pattern or topic before you arrive. Each 201 class is designed to equip you with new tools, new options, and a better understanding of what your rope is actually doing – not just give you a set of steps to memorize. Topics rotate on a six-month cycle, so you can drop in at any session without having attended the previous month.
The Studio Series also runs Shibari 102 for foundational skills, Shibari 301 for suspension preparation, and Shibari 401 for full suspension work.
Schedule & Pricing
📅 Second Sunday of the month · 4:00-6:00 PM (includes access to the following Open Studio)
📅 Third Saturday of the month · 10:00 AM-Noon
📍 Devil Mask Studio · 529 Lindley Pl #305 · Downtown Los Angeles
🎟 $50/person · $100/tying pair · $35 to audit · Membership Accepted
Prerequisites: The ability to tie a single-column tie and a willingness to learn. Prior 201 attendance is not required.
Supplies: Bring your own rope or use ours – loaner rope is available. You’ll generally need three or more 8m/30ft lengths.
201 Class Topics:
Tengu Harnesses
The tengu is a wildly versatile upper-body shibari harness – capable of evoking restraint, comfort, exposure, vulnerability, or strength depending on how it’s tied. This class explores not just how to tie the tengu but the anatomy behind its function, and how to adapt the pose for different bodies and scene intentions. You’ll leave with several tying options and the context needed to choose the right variation for your partner and your play.
Cross-Legged Ties (Agura)
Agura ties — named for the cross-legged sitting position — offer containment, compression, and control. This workshop explores cross-legged harnesses that work beautifully in floor scenes and as a base for aerial shapes. We’ll break down construction methods that emphasize stability and comfort while also playing with tension, immobility, and sensation.
Futomomo Shibari
Bent leg ties — the futomomos — are some of rope bondage’s most iconic patterns. Equally suited to sensuality and sadism, the futomomo shines in both floorwork and suspension. This hands-on workshop covers how to build the futomomo with intention, adapting its structure for different bodies, and how to use it creatively in scenes.
The Puzzle of Hip harnesses
Hip harnesses are a conundrum.
Hip harnesses are essential for supportive ties, but notoriously tricky because their success depends heavily on personal preferences and anatomy. This class breaks down the structure of the hips and thighs, explores techniques for building sustainable rope harnesses, and works through patterns that balance form and function. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of why hip harnesses are so challenging and more confidence in adapting core patterns to any body.
Hishis & Hexes: Body Harnesses
The body is your canvas — why tie like everyone is the same? Whether you’re looking to adorn your partner’s form or support it through dynamic suspension, karada (body harnesses) offer endless options for intentional, beautiful, and functional rope work. You’ll learn the classic hishi pattern and its variants, how to adapt designs to different bodies and intentions, and considerations for using body harnesses in suspension.
Arms-in-Front + Chest Harnesses
Relying on a single chest harness for every tie?
This class is for you.
We’ll focus on the core components of arms-in-front chest harnesses with an eye toward adjusting patterns to suit different bodies and play goals. Expect a balance of technical instruction and hands-on time, leaving you with adaptable tools for building reliable, sustainable shibari harnesses.
F.A.Q.
A single-column tie is the only technical prerequisite. If you’ve taken Why Knot or have been tying casually, you’re ready. Prior 201 attendance is not required — each session stands alone.
The Studio Series is designed as parallel tracks, not a strict sequence. 102 builds foundational handling and harness construction; 201 focuses on iconic patterns and shapes. Many students attend both concurrently. If you’ve completed Why Knot, either track is an appropriate next step.
Many students attend 201 solo, either to tie themselves or work with a practice dummy. If you’d like to find a practice partner, our Discord #class-buddies channel and monthly Rope Socials are good places to connect.
You don’t – loaner rope is available if you need it. If you’d like to work with your own rope, bring two to four 8m/30ft lengths.
When you’re ready to invest in your own kit, we sell conditioned jute, nylon, and POSH ropes available to pre-order for pick up at class.
Auditing means you observe without tying. It’s a good option if you want to see how a class runs before committing to a pairs ticket, or if you’re looking for a tying partner. Audit tickets are $35.
While many classes work well for self-tying, some (like Tengu Harnesses) require a tying partner to participate. We offer audit tickets for those classes to offer folks the opportunity to observe, take notes, and ask questions.