RopeTop
There are many different types of bondage, using a variety of materials - tape, straightjackets, handcuffs, leather restraints - but rope is my favourite. Rope itself can be rugged or sensual, or both at the same time. It is a very versatile material which can be used to bind someone in a very simple, practical way or a very complex, attractive way.
Rope is a no-nonsense, non-fussy resource that is relatively cheap and very portable. Its use as a bondage material can present possibilities and challenges that inspire a great deal of creativity.
In human history, rope is probably the earliest material used to restrain people, so it has historical precedent. In feudal Japan it was raised to an art form (hojojutsu, from which has evolved the modern erotic Japanese bondage art nawa shibari).
Today rope bondage in many forms is very popular, both as simple kink and as a form of erotic art. It can be very simple or very complex, and for beginners it is advisable to start small and get some experience with simpler techniques before moving onto the more ambitious creations. It is also important to remember some basic points on safety at all times.
Safety
Although rope can be fun, it can also be dangerous. A rope bondage Top has a great responsibility, he must take care not to injure his sub, or indeed endanger his sub's life.
The main two hazards are constriction and asphyxiation. Bindings that are too tight will cut off the circulation of blood to body parts, which is very dangerous. Anything that constricts the neck risks pressing on the carotid artery, cutting off the flow of blood to the brain (strangulation). It can also compress the trachea (windpipe), cutting off the supply of air to the lungs (choking).
A more common hazard is constriction of limbs, in particular extremities likes hands and feet. A simple knot may not look or feel too tight at first, but if it slips it may tighten when the person moves. A quick and easy way to stop this from happening is by using a reef knot.
You can also relieve pressure by using a double or treble loop, forming a cuff. This distributes the pressure over a wider area, thereby "biting" less into the flesh. Leave a bit of give before you tie off by inserting your fingertip between the rope and the skin. Tie this off with a first knot that encloses the whole cuff (all the loops, not just the last one).
Monitor
It is good practice to monitor the sub's body throughout a prolonged session (anything more than 15 minutes). If blood flow to a body part is restricted there will be a change in colour (darker) and temperature (colder), so keep looking and touching. If his hands are darker or feel cooler than his arms you will need to untie/retie.
It is also important that the sub understands that he is to report any loss of sensation/numbness that he experiences in any part of his body. Some subs will hesitate to do this, either because they think it is a normal part of the proceedings, or out of masochism. They must be instructed that this is NOT acceptable!
Another potential danger comes with suspension. If you hang a person up off the ground you must ensure that the rope will not slip or break, causing him to fall and injure himself. In any case, suspension is not recommended for beginners; learn the less complicated techniques first.
Responsibility
A final piece of advice is to not leave a sub alone while restrained for any prolonged length of time. There is no right or wrong time limit, just common sense. Probably nothing will happen but if something does, you really should be there to take control. It is a good idea to check that he does not have any medical conditions that you ought to know about.
The sub's safety is your first responsibility.
Resources
Different types of rope have different properties. Both natural and synthetic rope can be used for bondage. For a good guide to all the different types available, go to ESINEM.com and Click on "Rope".
A good book to get you started is Showing You the Ropes by Two Knotty Boys, currently about £7 from Amazon. It is a a step-by-step guide to knots and techniques, with lots of easy to follow photographs.
The best way to learn anything is from other people. In the Links section you will find websites and organisations where you can talk to bondage/BDSM people, most of whom are very happy to answer questions from newbies.