This website is dedicated to string figures, which are actually really fun.  You'd be amazed at the things you can do with a loop of string.  Speaking of which, if you want to attempt any of these, you'll need a loop of string (You can just get some yarn, and tie the ends together).  Make sure the loop isn't too small, or else making string figures will be kind of uncomfortable...

If you look further, you'll notice that the string figures have little emoticons next to their names.  This indicates their difficulty to complete them: 

=really easy

=easy

=somewhat easy

=hard

=very hard

It is very important to realize that you probably won't get any of these figures exactly right the first time you try (unless you have a true calling to be a string figure mastermind).

If you've been reading this heartfelt message, you'll be pleased to know that it ends here.  Happy string...figuring?

Oh, wait!  False alarm...  I just remembered that I have to teach you guys some openings, which are the first steps to the string figures. The're incredibly easy, and never exceed 3 steps. (The way I do'em.  So, they won't be marked by emoticons.  (If you already know the openings, skip this part)

Opening A:

hang the loop of string on your left thumb, and left little finger.  Note that the string will be in front of your left index, middle, and ring fingers (by the way, the front of your hand for string figures is the side of your hand where the palm is) . 

 Repeat with the right hand.  This is Position 1. 

To continue to Opening A, with your left index finger,  pick up the right palmar string (the string across your palm). 

Repeat with the right hand, going through the loop made with the previous step. 

Peoples, you have Opening A (The longish way... you can combine some steps to make it shorter, but I'll leave that to you.)  

Almost every figure starts with Opening A, so if you memorize Opening A, you got the first step to most of the figures down.

For the following figures, the only Opening you need to know is Opening A.

JACOB'S LADDER

Truth be told, this one will take you a while to make (unless of course, as i said earlier, you have a true calling to be a string figure mastermind)!  The part that throws most people off, though, is the very last step.  I will try to teach as clearly as I can.

Step 1: Opening A.

Step 2: Remove the loops on the thumbs.  You should have an hourglass-like shape.

Step 3: With both of your thumbs, pick up the very bottom string, and return to position.

Step 4: With both of your thumbs, go over the second string, and under the third, then return to position. 

Step 5: Release the loops from the little  fingers ONLY.

Step 6: Move your little fingers towards you, over the very bottom string, then move them back out, taking the string right above your little fingers.

Step 7: Drop your Thumbs.  Lets Check: Do you have something that looks remotely like a cat's whiskers?  If so, good job.  You've done everything right so far.  If not, go back and check what you might have done wrong.

(By the way, the figure you have right now is called Kitty Whiskers!  So if you have that, you've already learned a figure!)

Step 8: With your thumbs, go over both of the strings nearest to you, and grab the third string on the back of your thumbs and return to position. 

Step 9: Here comes the part that throws most people off... with yor right index finger and thumb, grab the left part of the loop on the left index finger, and bring that part to your thumb, but keep it above the loop already there.  Repeat with the other side.

Step 10: Hopefully, you kept the original thumb loops the lowest because now you have to take those loops and remove them from your thumbs, on both hands.  You should now see little triangles near your thumbs.

Step 11: If you are pulling apart on the strings kind of hard, let the strings sort of hang now by not pulling so hard.  okay, with the experiences I've had of teaching people, it is much easier done that said.  Read this next part over BEFORE you attempt it.  Wouldn't want all that work to be destroyed by a misunderstanding..... okay... Insert the tips of your index fingers into the trinangles of their side (ie the left index finger is inserted in the left triangle).  Keep your index fingers there, do NOT return to position or put the fingers all the way through,  and it is also important to have your fingers in far enough for thin next part. 

Step 12: Drop the little finger loops, but DON'T EXTEND, PULL ON THE STRINGS, OR EVEN SORTA TUG ON 'EM, 'CAUSE IT'LL RUIN IT!!  *clears throat* okay... this next part is hard to explain, but I'll try my best. 

FINAL STEP: Without tugging outward, and with your index fingers still in the triangles, rotate your palms away from you.  You may now extend your fingers.  Viola!

**This figure is found to be particularly hard to follow, so if you didn't get it, don't feel bad.**

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WITCH'S BROOM



1) Do Position 1, which if you dont know what that is, it is explained in teh Opening A tutorial.  With your right index finger, pick up the left palmar string (the string across the palm), and twist it 3-4 times.  Continue as you would for Opening A.

2) Drop your right thumb and little finger loops.  Viola!

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~MUCH MORE COMING SOON!~

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