Buzz
Jacob's Ladder, reminiscent of Cat's Cradle, is a timeless string art. If you didn't learn how to make a Jacob's Ladder string figure during your childhood, fear not! It's never too late. All you require is a substantial length of string and your two hands.
Steps
Initiating the 'Open A' Position
Begin by cutting a piece of string or yarn. The length of the string should be double the distance between your shoulders. Alternatively, you can gauge the length by wrapping the string around your elbow and hand approximately twice.
Fasten the ends of the string together. Secure the string with a square knot to prevent it from coming loose. Trim any excess string once it's taut.
Position your thumb and pinky. Begin with the string draped across your palm in an open configuration. Your thumb and pinky should be encircled by the string, while your three middle fingers remain extended.
Engage your right index finger. Thread your finger through the string in front of your three left fingers. Then, return your right hand to its original position.
Engage your left index finger. Thread your finger through the string directly beneath your right index finger. Return your left hand to its original position, ensuring the string remains taut between both hands.
Crafting Cat’s Whiskers
Release the thumb strings. Now, there should be four strings spanning between your hands, forming a single 'X' between them.
Secure your thumbs under the outermost string. Be cautious to only hook the furthest string away from you under the others. Return your hands to their initial position.
Hook another string using your thumbs. Slide your thumbs over the first string on your index fingers, then hook them under the second string on your index fingers. Return to the starting position.
Release the strings from your pinkies. Ensure that you only release the strings encircling your pinkies.
Hook a string with your pinkies. Glide your pinkies over the last string, then slip them under the adjacent string. Return your hands to their original position.
Release the thumb strings. This forms the Cat's Whiskers position, leaving the string only wrapped around your pinky and index fingers.
Completing Jacob’s Ladder
Position your thumb under the third string. Place your thumbs over the two strings on your index fingers, then carefully guide them under the first string on your pinky fingers. You should now have loops around your pinkies, index fingers, and thumbs.
- Be mindful not to pull too tightly; you want a bit of tension but not excessive.
Utilize your left hand. Take the loop from your right index finger and place it over your right thumb. Both your right thumb and index finger should now have the top loop.
Elevate the 'bottom' loop. Using your right hand, pull the bottom string on your thumb over the thumb itself. This action should create a small triangle between your right index finger and thumb.
Repeat the process on your other hand. Now, use your left hand to pull the loop from your index finger over your thumb. Then, bring the bottom string on your thumb over the thumb itself.
- You should now have one string over each thumb.
Finalize the ladder. To complete the ladder, execute a complex maneuver. This step can be tricky, so take your time. Rotate your hands so they face away from you while performing two actions. Insert your index fingers through the two small triangles adjacent to your index and thumb.
- As you rotate your hands 180 degrees, remove your pinkies from their loops. The second loop around your index fingers should also disappear. You've now created Jacob's Ladder!
Helpful Tips
- The final step is the most challenging. Don't lose heart and continue practicing.
- Consider using visual aids such as pictures.
Warnings
- Supervise young children to ensure they do not play with the string loop.
