The variants of the box tie with diamond structures have both aesthetic qualities and interesting mechanical characteristics. By breaking the straight lines of the horizontal wraps, it creates pressure following the lines of the body, which reacts differently in movement. These structures are also a challenge in tension, we have to anticipate later steps to keep the whole tie even. They have several names in Japanese, hishi gote 菱後手 (diamond hands in the back), hishi takate kote 菱高手 小手 (diamond hands high in the back), or hishi TK for short.

Open Diamond Box Tie

This pattern creates shapes that beautifully frame the front of the torso while keeping the back similar to the classic box tie. This has several structural benefits including a solid stem to attach to in the back and the gentle pressure on the body of the diamond pattern.

The first step is to create a structure on the chest that will later become structural in the back and opened up in the front. In order to achieve this, the front of tie must be a bit looser to account for the additional tension that will be created when opening the diamonds. From there the structure is very similar to the second rope of the classic box tie seen in Day 29 and 30.

The safety guidelines of day 29, 30, 31 still apply to this variation. Monitor nerves by scratching the hands and validating movements in fingers and wrists. Adjust the placement on the arms to avoid sensitive spots and avoid rope that presses in the armpit. The rope on the shoulder can be pleasurable or challenging depending on preferences. Rope can be used to pull it away from the neck if desired. More on upper body nerves in Day 50.

More Diamond Box Ties

We can create diamond pattern in different ways. The different techniques from Day 17: Chest Diamonds can be adjusted to create a box tie. This can take the form of the basic structure, or adding diamonds on top of an existing one.

Practice Time!

Combine the techniques of the diamond chest harness and box tie to create a mix of the two ties.

Self-evaluation checklist

  • Frictions are tight and compact with no undesired twists
  • Tension is even across the tie, the lower wrap can be less tensioned for safety
  • The stem is straight and centered
  • Cinches are flat with no bulk between the arms and the torso
  • Is the tie symmetric?
  • How does the wrap placement feel?
  • Pull the tie in different directions; how does it hold?

Exploration ideas

  • Try having more or fewer diamonds
  • Explore with different level of tension, opening the diamonds more or less
  • Try different frictions in the back
  • Do you prefer opening the V around the neck, or keeping it tight?

Solo tip

  • Yes it is possible to self tie this! Can you figure it out?
  • You can also adapt the tie structure as a chest harness that doesn’t include the arms.

Inspirations and Resources

 

Let’s continue with More Box Ties

 
Or return to Box Tie for more options.

 

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