Iyengar yoga ropes and hooks FAQ

Last updated: November 2026

Setting up Iyengar wall ropes raises a lot of practical questions. How high should the hooks go? How far apart? What kind of wall do you need? This post gathers the answers to the questions we are asked most often, in one place.

This is a living document. We add new questions and answers on a regular basis. If something needs correcting, or you think something is missing, please let us know. Your feedback helps us make this page useful for more people.

What’s in a set?

A full set is 4 hooks with screws and 4 ropes: 2 long ropes for Sirsasana (top) and 2 shorter ropes for Adho Mukha (bottom). You can also buy a half set (2 hooks + 2 ropes), or hooks and ropes separately.

The long Sirsasana ropes hang from the upper hooks. The shorter Adho Mukha ropes hang from the lower hooks. Each pair is cut for its position, following the classic Iyengar wall-rope set-up.

Can I buy the ropes and hooks separately?

Yes. The ropes and the hooks are available as separate items: 12 mm cotton Iyengar yoga ropes and the wall rope hook fixing set. This is handy if you want to add or replace ropes, or extend an installation you already have.

About the ropes

What are the ropes made of?

They are 100% cotton, 12 mm in diameter, with no polypropylene or synthetic core.

How long are the ropes?

The standard Sirsasana rope is 2.40 m and the standard Adho Mukha rope is 1.75 m, measured as the full loop with the knot included.

Can I get a custom length?

Yes, ropes can be made to measure. Send us the distance from the centre of the hook to the floor. Extra-long ropes may carry a small surcharge.

Will the ropes stretch?

New cotton ropes settle a little with use, never more than about two fingers’ width. The longer Sirsasana ropes settle slightly more than the Adho Mukha ones. We make them a touch shorter on purpose to compensate. Once they carry weight they pull taut.

How do I wash them?

Machine-wash as they are and dry in the sun. They shrink very slightly. For an as-new look, soak them for a while in Vanish or a similar oxygen bleach first.

Will my ropes match if I order more later?

We sell ropes with the same knot and weave so they match. Natural cotton can vary a little in feel from batch to batch. If you’re adding to an existing set, send us a photo and we’ll match it.

Hook heights and spacing

At what height should I install the hooks?

Our ropes are made for the layout in the leaflet Working plans of the props used for Iyengar Yoga, prepared by François Lozier for the RIMIY:

• Top hooks: 203 cm from the floor.
• Hip-height hooks: 98 cm from the floor (about 1 m).
• Distance between the two hooks of the same set: 46 cm, centre to centre.

These measurements can vary slightly.

Please double-check the dimensions we provide before you drill. For example, fixing the top hooks much too high, say at 2.60 m, changes the angles a lot and the ropes will be too short.

How much space do I need between sets?

The recommended distance between the two hooks of the same set is 46 cm. Between two sets, allow at least 63 cm, and up to 91 cm if you want more room to move.

Most centres don’t have enough wall for that much space, so they often use a spacing of 55 cm between sets. It isn’t optimal, but it works.

How should I set it up at home?

If you are lucky enough to have the space, the complete set of 4 hooks (2 upper and 2 lower) is the best option, because it allows many more poses, especially restorative ones.

If you only have room for one half set, we recommend adding two longer ropes at the top, so that you can do Kurunta 1, for example, which is usually practised from the two higher hooks.

When buying the complete set, you may also want to add a small rope, so that you can quickly set up your Kurunta Sirsasana.

Walls and installation

How are the hooks fixed?

Each hook is fixed with 4 flat-head screws that sit flush with the hook plate, so the finish is clean and the wall is less stressed. Drill with an 8 mm bit and use the supplied plugs, which are 6 cm long. A shorter 5 cm plug is available for thinner walls.

Is my wall suitable?

A solid wall at least 7–8 cm thick works best. Whatever your wall, we recommend having a professional builder check its quality and confirm that it can bear the load, especially for studios. Some studios add a wooden panel behind the hooks for extra safety.

Can I install the set on a wall lined with plasterboard?

The set must be fixed to a solid load-bearing wall. On a wall lined with plasterboard, first build a frame fixed into the masonry with long wall plugs, then screw the hook support onto that frame. We recommend having a professional builder design and check it.

What do you guarantee?

We guarantee the quality of the ropes and hooks we supply. We cannot assess your wall or the installation, so those should be checked by a qualified third party.

How often should I check the ropes and hooks?

We recommend an annual inspection of the ropes (fraying, wear, stretching) and of the hooks and screws (tightness, any movement in the wall).

Other questions

Do you sell ropes for ceiling installation?

Not at the moment. A ceiling system is a work in progress.

Do you offer other colours or hook sizes for studios?

Yes, for studio and school orders. Custom hook colours and sizes are available from 20 units, with a small surcharge and 2–3 weeks for delivery.

Help us make this page better. This FAQ grows as your questions come in. If you spot something that needs correcting, or have a question we haven’t answered yet, send us a message. We’ll update this post so it can help more practitioners and teachers.