Figure 8 Double Column Ties

Howdy rope enthusiasts,

  This time around we're taking a look at a different way to execute those pesky double column ties that will hopefully add a bit of unexpected flair to your arsenal. In this video, I illustrate how to complete the "Figure 8 Double Column" in both forward and reverse tension tying styles and show you how to dynamically adjust the final relative column sizes without untying the form.

  My forward tension finishing knot in this video is the Burlington Bowline. My second reverse tension finishing knot was the Captured Loop Knot. At the end, I mention that another reverse tension Figure 8 Double Column Tie is Esox's Infinity Cuff. I personally prefer Esox's tie to the reverse tension variation that I showed in this video, but for completeness I wanted to make sure that I covered all my bases for you guys. I, of course, encourage you all to try all the variations shown here and see what works for you. And hey, maybe you'll even discover a new one that you like even better. The more the merrier!

  Have fun and happy tying,
    ~Tracker

The Bondage Hanger

We learned the Bondage Hanger from Lord Percival, one of the icons of the New England rope scene, years ago. It is a great way to secure a top line to a suspension. It is very secure when tied properly and also helps to distribute the load well. One of the best applications of the Bondage Hanger is when you are tying two bands that need to be kept apart, such as doing a side suspension with the arm bands on a takate kote. It really excels in those situations. 

## PLEASE READ## This tutorial presents a method to secure a top line to rope work to do suspensions with. DO NOT do any kind of suspension work if you have never done so before and are not working with qualified instructors to learn how to do it safely and properly. Suspensions are seriously risky business and you need to work with people who can teach you the risks. It needs to be done IN PERSON with someone who knows what they are doing. ##

Having said that, this is a good tie to learn and practice with in preparation for learning how to suspend. Please learn from local experts before attempting any suspensions though, for your safety and more importantly for the safety of your bottom. 

The reason the Bondage Hanger is presented here is to show how to rig the Basket Weave Hip Harness.

Start by tying the Basket Weave Hip Harness

Bring the bight of your rope under the lower band on the outside of the harness. 

Bring the bight under the upper band but keep some slack in it so that you have a "U" shape of rope. 

Bring the bight over the "weave" leaving another "U" of rope the same size as the original.

Bring the bight down under the lower band of the harness then under the upper band but leave another "U" of rope between the two bands.
## Note that while you are doing this you will have had to feed some rope through the bands that are already in place##

Adjust the three "U"s so that they are all the same size and are in parallel with one another. Then bring your bight (under the red circle) down next to them. 

This is how it should look from the side. 

Form a loop with the tails (seen here with the red arrows). Pull the bight through the loop (green arrow).

Pass the bight back underneath all of the bands of the hanger then back up through the loop formed by the standing line. 

Pull the loop tight  leaving the bight free (the bight is under the red circle)
##Please note: this is a Boola Boola single column tie. Any forward tension single column tie can be used to finish a bondage hanger- the Boola Boola, Wyk'd Dave Wyk'd Fast Bowline, Somerville Bowline or Burlington Bowline all work well. The Boola Boola was done to show it quickly##

This step is CRITICAL!!! Take the tails of your rope and pull it through the bight. This secures the tie so it cannot come undone. If you are to have a person suspended you should always do this to top lines to help eliminate risk!!!!

This illustrates the tails pulled through the bight. 

This is the really fun part with the bondage hanger on the Basket Weave Hip Harness- it works like a rope holster!  Take the tails and loop them in your hand so that they are parallel to one another.

Fold the loop in half as shown. 

Fold the loop in half again. 

Stick that bundle of rope into the middle of the bondage hanger. 

If you have done it correctly then it will look like this. Now check out the cool video of what you can do with it when you have put it in the "rope holster". Very fun!

This is what the finished bondage hanger looks under tension supporting weight.
## Again, do not use this to suspend unless you have been properly instructed##

The Triple Column Tie

Since most of you are familiar with the single and double column tie already I thought I'd explain how to expand that into a triple column tie. This can be really useful when tying up someone with shoulder or wrist issues or limited flexibility in the arms. You can use this as your starting point for building a Takate Kote or "Box Tie" rather than tying the wrists behind the back.

The Spinout Munenawa

 
Hi again rope fans,

  This week we're taking a look at my new flashy chest harness for public performances called the Spinout Munenawa. We combine a double column wrist tie (here I used the Infinity Cuff) with a clove hitch around the torso, throw a daisy chain in for a quick release, and finish with a simple chest piece held in place by friction. Remember to tie this one snugly to keep it from falling off. Also, provided that you tie off the tails when you're finished, this harness is quite sturdy, and should be up for any kind of floor play you might have in mind as long as it relies on the chest bands only. Obviously, the shoulder straps can easily come loose, so don't rely on them for anything weight bearing. Now get out there, tie this harness, and wow your friends at your next party!

  Happy tying,
    ~Tracker