Despite its simplicity, the Crab Tie bondage position is a very restrictive bondage position - and that's why people love it!
To get into this position, the bound person sits on their butt on a comfortable surface and extends their legs out in front of them. Another person uses some form of restraint (commonly rope, but different forms can be used) to bind each wrist and forearm to the same-side ankle and calf.
A "traditional" Crab Tie bondage position will include all four bondage points, but it is still a Crab Tie if it only includes two or one. The seated person, bent over position with the person's arms laying alongside their legs is what makes it a Crab Tie.
More About Crab Tie Bondage Position
The Crab Tie bondage position keeps its spot as a popular bondage position because it's easy to tie (even for beginners), while providing a strong level of restraint. The bound partner may only be able to open and close their legs or roll around for a deep level of control despite the simplicity of just four double column ties. The Crab Tie essentially uses the same bondage tie, four times in a row, to pull off this position. This means that newbies to rope bondage only need to learn a single tie - and repeat it four times - to make the Crab Tie position come to life.
What are some other options for enjoying this position?
The Crab Tie bondage position can be done with any type of restraint. While rope bondage is the most common option, cuffs or bondage tape can also be used. Especially for someone who may need to make regular readjustments to their position to stay comfortable, a pair of Velcro cuffs can be heaven-sent in this position. Simply un-Velcro the cuffs mid-scene to allow for a short stretching break to ensure the bound partner stays comfortable. Then, refasten them in seconds when you're ready to hop back in.
As pictured, the Crab Tie can make for difficult intercourse. Because it leaves the bound partner bent over their own body, it also can make it difficult to access the front of the body. However, their back will be left on full display. This can make a great, open canvas for flogging, scratching with vampire gloves, electrosex or other sensation play. Do be aware, however, that this bent over position will likely press the spine to the surface of the skin, placing it in an easier-to-access position. Take special care to ensure any activities safely avoid the spine, and avoid any kink activities in which you're not already proficient.
If intercourse is desired, tilting the sex position backward, for the bound partner to lay on their back while their legs and arms are in the air, allows for easier access between the legs. Depending on how long the Crab Tie bondage has been on, however, the bound partner may find that their arms and legs go to sleep faster than the time it takes for intercourse. This isn't a sex position that most people will want to maintain for a long time, and we recommend going for speed with this one.
However, if the bound partner's limbs start falling asleep, you can simply untie the restraints and let them regain circulation. From there, the Crab Tie bondage position can easily transition into the Takedown, Carnal Clutch, Eagle, Dog Leg, Toad or Happy Scissors positions to continue your fun.
Are there any modifications for this position?
The full Crab Tie bondage position requires a comfortable forward fold. If your flexibility isn't at a point where your fingers can easily touch the top of your toes while seated and bent forward, there are a few modifications that can still make the Crab Tie bondage position a great fit.
One modification sees the bound partner in the same, bent-forward position. Instead of binding their wrists to their ankles and calves, however, their wrists can be bound to their lower thighs. (Avoid bondage around the knee joint.) By moving the bondage point further up their legs, it reduces the need for a deeper stretch.
For another modification, have the bound partner bend their knees to adjust the depth of their stretch. Instead of leaning forward, the bound partner can sit upright and bring their knees to their chest. Now that their calves and ankles are closer to their body, a deeper backbend isn't required (though now you're asking for more hamstring flexibility!).
The one thing we don't recommend is that you push into this position with the assumption that the bondage will help you maintain a stretch that is uncomfortably deep for you. Not only can this be dangerous for your muscles, but you'll likely find your back or hamstrings get a sudden cramp, which can be hard to alleviate when you're bound. It will likely require removing the bondage entirely for a short break to alleviate the cramp. Warming up and selecting the right Crab Tie stretch for your body can help reduce the likelihood of this happening.
Some people may also find that a slight tilt in the hips can make the Crab Tie bondage position more comfortable. Use a wedge to slide under the bound partner's butt, tilting their body forwards into the forward fold. The Liberator Jaz or Dame Pillo can be good fits here. For a DIY solution, a yoga mat can also be folded up to the right height for your body.
Playing Safely in This Position
Beyond overstretching, they key point in playing safely in this position is to be vigilant for any breathing impairment in the bound partner. Especially with excess weight on the front of the body or thighs (in the form of large breasts or a larger body), the bent-over position of the Crab Tie can compress the chest, making it difficult to breathe. Partner this with the great sexual experience you're having - which can increase your heart rate and breathing - and you may have a dangerous mixture. Check in with the bound partner often. If breathing is becoming difficult, swap out of the Crab Tie position or use one of the less-compressed modifications mentioned above .
Even with modifications, however, the Crab Tie bondage position may not be a good fit for all couples. It places strain on the lower back and it requires that the receiving partner be able to stay relatively immobile for a long period of time. Especially for people who need regular movement in their body and limbs to stay pain-free, the Crab Tie position may not be a good fit. If it doesn't work for you, that's OK! There are hundreds of other positions out there to try.
Due to the stationary placement of the legs, the Crab Tie bondage position may be accessible to people with paraplegia or other disabilities like mild cerebral palsy with additional modifications to ensure the bound person is able to keep their balance. We highly recommend a long pre-scene negotiation session to discuss how to make this position as accessible and safe as possible if someone with paraplegia desires to try this bondage position.
If using rope to tie the Crab Tie bondage position, you can accomplish this with two double column ties. (It's very beginner-friendly!) If you'd like something more elaborate, this video from Innovative Fiber Arts offers a walkthrough.
