Good question. I usually tie my wife, because she kicks! (Tough explaining them black eyes at our age!) :weird:
We have padded cuffs. They were a great investment, but before we bought them, we learned some lessons you might benefit from:
Rope is uncomfortable. (It cuts off circulation and can be itchy.) 😕
Regular metal handcuffs are worse than rope. 😡
My neckties and her panty hose worked pretty well, as long as they were not tied tightly around her limbs. 😎
The type of knot you use is important.
You will probably want to untie your lee quickly at the end of the session. Out of consideration for her comfort, if the relationship is platonic. If you're about to engage in sex, you might want her unndone even more urgently. (I want at least my wife's legs free when I start to make love to her, so she can make love back to me!) 😍
Whatever I use, the knot near her limb I make small as possible so it doesn't get in the way, and she can't accidently undo it. The knot at the bedpost I usually make a slip-knot, so it comes loose with one tug.