DIY Your Own BDSM Zipper

So, you either know exactly what a bdsm zipper is or you’re very confused- if you’re the latter, don’t worry!

These intricate devices are used to create pain and pleasure through the action of attaching clothespins connected by string to the skin and then pulling them off either slowly or quickly- the action of pulling the clothespins off the skin can cause intense feelings. Kind of like nipple clamps or at least the tweezer kinds.

Throughout this post, you’ll learn the pleasure, pain and everything in between that bdsm clothespins can offer, along with a super easy method for making your very own!

Making your own

This is one of the easiest toys for DIY bdsm; you can find the supplies you’ll need at almost any store, and it doesn’t take long to put together- it’s a win-win!

Important!

We do not recommend making your own sex toys and always recommend that you purchase purpose-made sex toys from a reputable shop.

We are in no way responsible for any harm caused due to the use or sharing of these DIYs. You are 100% responsible for the outcome should you choose to make your own sex toys.

What you’ll need:

  • string (material, color, length etc. is your choice)
  • clothespins (beginners and intermediate)
  • clamps (advanced)

Preparing the string

Depending on how long you want the zipper to be, you’ll need to decide how many pegs you want to use.

For a full body zipper, you should measure the places where the zipper will go on your sub, for example from under the breast to the buttocks- this way you won’t make it too short!

The pegs

Once you’ve cut your string to size, lay it in front of you; take your first clothespin and thread the string through the metal hole.

Once the string is through, tie a knot in the string on each side of the clothespin to ensure it doesn’t move about.

Repeat these steps for however long you want your zipper to be.

Tips for beginners

If your sub is a beginner, they might not take very painful practices as well; when it comes to a bdsm zipper, there are a few things you can do to make it more beginner friendly:

  • glue padding on the clothespin grips (this makes the pinch a little softer)
  • make shorter bdsm zippers instead of longer or full body ones (this helps to ease them in)

Materials

There are a few different materials available when it comes to the string part of a bdsm zipper, and of course different people prefer different things; we’ve made a guide below to help you choose the best material for you!

String materialsProsCons
Cottonsoft
knots easily
durable
can be dyed
weaker material
difficult to untie
Waxed cottonsoft
aesthetically pleasing
durable
waterproof
cannot be dyed
difficult to knot
cannot withstand heat
Leathersoft
great look
difficult to knot
difficult to care for
Jute light and springy
easy to knot
difficult to care for
not durable
not waterproof
Hempsoft
durable
knots well
not waterproof
difficult to maintain
Ribbonknots well
looks good
soft
not durable
not waterproof
Nyloncan be dyed
stretchy
knots easily
slippery to use
can be tricky to untie
Clothespin materialsProsCons
Wooden clothespinsgreat for beginners and experienced subs alike
good bite
can be padded for comfort
cheap to buy
not durable
not waterproof
Clamps (metal)suitable for experienced subs
painful bite
great aesthetic
will leave marks
durable
can be very painful if not used correctly

How to use a bdsm zipper

Using a bdsm zipper is easy, fun, and gives a great feeling of power to any dominant! Of course, you might be new to using a clothespin zipper which is why we’ve put together a few handy tips to help.

You can also check out our dedicated guide to bdsm for beginners for more helpful and handy tips!

Getting ready

First and foremost, your sub should have shown active and informed consent towards the act, and you should have your safeword ready beforehand.

Attaching the clothespin zipper

Once in the scene, the bdsm zipper should be lined on the body in a straight line as this will give the easiest and cleanest release when pulled.

Time to play

There are a few different ways to approach using the zipper for example:

  • attaching the zipper to your sub yourself and watching them squirm under your touch (they won’t know when you’re going to release it!)
  • having your sub attach it to themselves whilst you watch
  • pulling the zipper off in one quick motion (this is intense)
  • pulling the zipper off slowly (painful)

Places to pinch

There are a few different ways to approach using the zipper for example:

  • attaching the zipper to your sub yourself and watching them squirm under your touch (they won’t know when you’re going to release it!)
  • having your sub attach it to themselves whilst you watch
  • pulling the zipper off in one quick motion (this is intense)
  • pulling the zipper off slowly (painful)

Best bdsm zipper to buy

If you’re not a fan of the whole DIY thing, you can always treat yourself to a brand new bdsm zipper; and of course, we’ve done some digging and found the best clothespin zipper on the market today!

Extreme Full Body Zipper by Stockroom

This full body bdsm zipper does exactly what it promises to do, and then some! The 68″ rawhide lace is super durable, not to mention aesthetically pleasing, and the 24 wooden clothespins give the bite of your sub’s life.

The whole contraption is completely durable and crafted from high quality materials- there’s no danger of snappages with this beauty!

Why use one?

Using zipper bondage in bdsm is a great way for dominants to exert power, cause pain, and create intense feelings in their subs; the sensation of clothepins pinching the skin in multiple places makes the body more sensitive and alert to other feelings.

When it comes to pulling the bdsm zipper off, each space that has been pinched will be a lot more sensitive as the blood vessels have been stimulated- depending on how long the clothespins have been attached and how fast the zipper is removed, your sub is sure to get a sensation they’ll never forget!

Talking to your partner about bdsm

If you and your partner have never explored the world of bdsm and you find yourself wanting to delve into the depths of it, it can be a bit nerve-wracking thinking about how to bring this topic up to your partner- especially if neither of you have expressed a desire for it before.

Before bringing anything up to your partner, you should do your own research about the things you want to try- there is no use trying to explain something to someone when even you don’t fully understand it!

We’ve done some research and created a helpful guide below to give you all the pointers you need when talking to your partner about incorporating bdsm into your sex-life!

1. Dip your toe in

Not literally (unless you’re into that!).

What we mean by this is, don’t dive straight into a converation with your partner and overload them with topics of bdsm acts and everything you want to try right here right now; it’s a lot of information to take in and if they’re completely new to the idea of it, this might deter them.

Instead, try starting a conversation about your sex-life, things that turn you on, and then things that you’d like to try. Be sure to ask them if there is anything they’d like to try aswell- you might be surprised!

Ask your partner how they feel about what you’re discussing, and if it’s something they feel comfortable with- consent comes before anything!

Be sure to check their body language too; are they saying ‘yes’ to the conversation, but look visibly uncomfortable? This is a sign that they’re not ok with what is being discussed.

3. Show them what you want

If your partner is into the conversation and you’re both talking about what you’d like to try, great!

There might be some things that you want to try that your partner has never heard of; this is why it can be a good idea to show them what you mean. For example, using a bdsm zipper- show them what these devices are and what they achieve when used.

You can do this by showing them porn, pictures, or research of the things you want to try (with consent, of course).

4. Confidence is key

If this is something you really want, be sure to show confidence when you speak about it; if you sound unsure, you’ll only be sending mixed signals!

Of course, if you are genuinely unsure, you can still talk to your partner about it- be open and honest and see how you both feel.

Bdsm guidelines

If you’re new to bdsm, it’s a good idea to have a guide on safety, aftercare, and general guidelines to turn to when unsure; this ensures that everyone is happy and safe!

Safety

First and foremost, safety should be your priority!

This includes making the space and play safe for yourself and your sub, aswell as maintaining and assessing any furniture or toys used, to ensure tgey are safe to use.

Create a safe word

A safe word is an essential part of any bdsm play and setting.

The safe word should be something that you might not usually say during play, instead of something that you would- this would make it hard for the dom to distinguish whether the sub is being serious.

For example, if your play involves ‘forced roleplay’, then the word ‘no’ or ‘stop’ may be something that is said as part of the play- therefore, the safe word should be something other than this.

Practice aftercare

There are a few steps that should be taken to ensure the sub is feeling alright after a scene has ended:

  • Treat sore spots- sometimes bdsm scenes can leave sore spots; tend to these with care
  • Eat or drink- it’s important to keep your energy up after physically, emotionally, or mentally tiring scenes
  • Cuddle (if wanted!)- after a scene, some people crave intimacy whilst others want alone time- it’s whatever makes you feel best!
  • Communicate- talk about what went well, what you liked, and what you’d want to change- communication is a great way to wind down after a scene
  • Rest- it may go without saying for some people, but you’ll most likely need a good nap or a rest after a scene

Other DIY guides for homemade sex toys

On Bedbible we have a ton of guides for DIY sex toy projects. Some of our most popular ones include DIY anal sex toys, this guide on how to make a pocket pussy, as well as some more specific ones such as how to make an ice dildo. But we’ve also found 20 ideas for homemade vibrators.