Week 30: More Quick Releases

This page is currently being reviewed; come back next week for a more polished version.

Sometimes we want to go quickly, fast to tie, but even more to release. Many techniques can be used to create ties that collapse with a simple release mechanism. This can be used in case of emergency, or as a surprise element during a tie.

The goal of this week is to experiment with different quick-release ties and find different applications for our rope sessions.

Table of Contents

Activities

Day 204: More Quick Release Knots

Many specialty knots can be used to tie and untie quickly. The most common in rope bondage is the captured slip-knot (often called Yuki knot). But there are more, such as the Farrimond hitch (both an adjustable hitch and a quick-release at the same time), or the tumble hitch that also uses up the excess rope at the same time. With practice, quick-release knots are usually fast to tie and allow for quick untying in case of emergency, as well as quick readjustments during a tie. Note that a quick-release knot can be less stable and may untie accidentally, so it should not be used for critical applications.

Day 205: Exploding Knots

Sometimes we need more, not just a knot that will untie, but completely disappear, without leaving a tangle. This can be used for a high-risk application that may require an immediate release, or for a planned change during the session. For example, the Lapp knot will allow the rope to completely detach even if we continue tying with the end. Many other knots may be used for their explosive features.

Day 206: Slip Knots and Loops

Slip knots are often considered unsafe as they tighten. But this can be a good thing when used around a column that doesn’t mind a tight cuff, or a tie that needs a precise adjustment, locking the slip knot afterward.

The handcuff knot is a popular type of slip knot to capture two limbs at once. It is usually considered inferior to other double columns because it has only one wrap and requires an extra lock to prevent cinching too far.

A popular tie that uses a slip knot is the dragonfly sleeve, which starts with a handcuff knot and then continues with midline slip knots, split on each arm. This is usually used with the arms in the back, but also works with the arms in front.

Slip knots are also a popular way to mark the middle of the rope when not used.

Day 207: Chain Stitch

Alt slip stitch. In crochet, there are many uses of the principle of the chain stitch and slip stitch to create structure. We can use those techniques to create rope patterns. These can be very fast to tie and untie because there is no need to pull the whole rope through. Use this technique to wrap the body quickly.

Day 208: Daisy Chains and Disappearing Ties

Alt chain sinnet. By pulling a small loop through a previous loop, you can create a tie that can instantly disapear by pulling on the tain. This can be a simple leach, but an also be built into more complex ties.

Day 209: Zipper Tie

The zipper tie is like a reverse daisy chain or a chain stitch that alternate direction to create a stem that can easily be untied. By pulling a loop through the previous wrap and using a detachable starting point, you can create a tie that unties like a zipper.

Day 210: Serpentine

Alt kainokuchi 貝の口 (clam’s mouth), clam, zig zag – By creating a stem and changing direction on it, we can create a solid tie that will unravel by removing that stem.

Review

You can have a look at a few quick release concepts from previous Rope365 activities to review and complete your exploration:

Video References

We compiled a YouTube playlist with various videos on this topic; let us know if you find any others we should add to it. Note that video references may display risky or unstable techniques; viewer discretion is advised. 

View the playlist on YouTube
Let’s continue with More Decorative Knots and Hitches

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