Shibari for Advanced Beginners: Futomomo and Mermaid Tie

Ready to level up your rope? Learn two classic and versatile patterns: the Futomomo (folded leg) and the Mermaid (legs together) tie in this beginner-friendly (but not brand-new) shibari class.

We’ll cover:

• How to tie a Futomomo (folded leg tie)
• How to tie a Mermaid (legs together)
• How to adapt both ties for different body types, flexibility levels, and comfort needs
• Circulation and nerve safety considerations, including what to watch for and how to communicate
• Learning content for both the person tying and the person being tied
• Practical applications and how to use these ties in ways that feel fun and connected
• Soft skills and simple scene-building techniques

We’ll reserve the last 15–20 minutes for open practice and Q&A so you can try things out, refine your technique, and get feedback.

You’re welcome to attend with a partner or solo — there will be relevant learning for everyone, whether you’re tying, being tied, or self-tying.

Prerequisite Knowledge

This is a beginner-level class for folks who have already done a little rope and know how to tie a non-collapsible single column cuff. We won’t have time to cover those foundations in class, so this isn’t the right fit if you’re picking up rope for the very first time. If you’re comfortable with a basic cuff and ready to build from there, you’re in the right place.

What to bring

• For people tying, please bring 2-4 hanks of 8m rope
• For people being tied, please wear skin tight pants/shorts/leggings. For your comfort, recommend to NOT wear jeans or baggy clothes

Location

Liberty Station (San Diego). Exact location will be sent to ticket holders.

Doors open 15 minutes before class and close 15 minutes after the start time. Late arrivals or no-shows are welcome to request a class credit.

About your instructors

Maeve (she/her) is a bottom instructor, rope bunny, and recovering aerialist with a strong focus on body awareness and consent. Passionate about bottom-centered education and advocating for empowered, informed bottoms in rope spaces.

Bella (she/her) is a top-leaning rope switch who loves connecting with people by tying them into silly, sensual or sadistic rope shapes. She first started learning rope at Anatomie in London before moving to San Diego in 2019. Her rope style focus less on patterns and more on building empathy, connection and feeling through rope. Find her on IG @lu_bella_rope

Come curious, come kind, and let’s make rope feel approachable and fun.