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Jacob's Ladder is a classic string figure, similar to Cat's Cradle. If you never learned to make a Jacob's Ladder string figure as a kid, it's not too late! All you need is a large piece of string and your own two hands.
Steps
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Cut a length of string or yarn. The string should be twice as long as the distance between your shoulders. Another way to measure is by wrapping the string around your elbow and hand about two times. -
Tie the string ends together. Secure the string in a square knot so it won't pull loose. Use a square knot and cut off the excess when the string is tight.Advertisement -
Position your thumb and pinky. Start with the string across your palm in an open position. Your thumb and pinky should be looped by the string. Your three middle fingers should stay out. [1] X Research source
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Hook your right index finger. Guide your finger through the string in front of your three left fingers. Return your right hand to its original position. [2] X Research source
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Hook your left index finger. Guide your finger through the string directly under your right index finger. Return your left hand to its original position. Hold the string taut between your two hands. [3] X Research source
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Drop the thumb strings. There should now be four strings running between your hands. There will only be one “X” between your hands. [4] X Research source
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Hook your thumbs under the farthest string. You’ll need to be careful only to hook the last string away from you under the rest of the strings. Bring your hands back to the original position. [5] X Research source
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Hook another string with your thumbs. Move your thumbs over the first string on your index finger, and hook them beneath the second string on your index fingers. Return to the original position.
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Drop the pinky strings. Make sure only to drop the strings wrapped around your pinkies. [6] X Research source
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Hook a string with your pinkies. Move your pinkies over the last string and under the adjacent string. Return your hands to the original position.
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Drop the thumb strings. This creates the Cat's Whiskers position. You should only have the string looped around your pinky and index fingers. [7] X Research source
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Hook your thumb under the third string. Put your thumbs over the two strings on your index fingers. Then carefully position them under the first string on your pinky fingers. You should now have loops around your pinkies, index fingers and thumbs. [8] X Research source
- Try not to pull too tight. You want a little tension but not too much.
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Use your left hand. Take the loop on your right index finger and place it over your thumb. The top loop should be on both your right thumb and right index finger. [9] X Research source
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Pull up the "bottom" loop. On your right thumb, use your same hand to position the bottom string on your thumb over your thumb. You should see a small triangle form between your right index finger and thumb.
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Repeat this on your opposite hand. Now use your left hand to pull your index loop over your thumb. Then take the bottom string on your thumb over your thumb.
- You should now have one string over each thumb. [10] X Research source
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Complete the ladder. You’ll need to do a complex move to finish the ladder. This part trips people up, so take it slowly. You’re going turn your hands so they face away from you while doing two things. Put your index fingers through the two small triangles next to your index and thumb.
- As you flip your hands 180 degrees around, take your pinkies out of their loops. [11] X Research source The second loop around your index fingers should go away, as well. You now have Jacob's Ladder!
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat can I do if I'm still having trouble making it?Community AnswerTry to do it slow and carefully. Think through each step. Also, just keep practicing - work on it anytime you're bored or have nothing to do.
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QuestionWhen I do this I can't find the triangles. What am I doing wrong?Community AnswerIt was hard for me to find the triangles when I did it too, for me it was because I started with paracord rather than string or yarn. Try to make it looser, and pay attention to if the string is too tight-if it is, it might be turning into a twist instead of a shape. Watch the gifs in the instructions carefully.
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Tips
- Try making it with pictures.Thanks
- The last step is the most difficult. Don't get discouraged, and keep practicing.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you have a partner with you, pull the outside strings in the middle once you are done. That will save you from accidentally tying a knot in the string afterward.
- Put your finger in the middle X and pull to help disengage the ladder without tangling the string.
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Warnings
- Do not allow small children to play with the string loop.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kr8jrc56eA
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kr8jrc56eA
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kr8jrc56eA
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kr8jrc56eA
- ↑ http://www.momsminivan.com/how_to_do_jacobs_ladder.html
- ↑ http://www.momsminivan.com/how_to_do_jacobs_ladder.html
- ↑ http://www.momsminivan.com/how_to_do_jacobs_ladder.html
- ↑ http://www.momsminivan.com/how_to_do_jacobs_ladder.html
- ↑ http://www.momsminivan.com/how_to_do_jacobs_ladder.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
All you need to make Jacob’s Ladder out of string is a piece of string that is approximately twice as long as the distance between your shoulders. First, make the Open A position with the string. To do this, tie the ends of the string together in a square knot. Place the string across your open palm and loop it around your thumb and pinky. Then, hook your right and left index fingers through the string. Drop the string from your thumbs so that it looks like an “X” shape between your hands to maneuver the string into the Cat’s Whiskers position. Finally, complete Jacob’s Ladder by hooking your thumbs over the third strings and placing your thumbs into the loops over your index fingers. For more information about making Jacob’s Ladder out of string, like what each step should look like, read on.
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Reader Success Stories
- "As a kid, I could not do the Jacob's ladder. My older cousins could, but would not show me - like most kids, they enjoyed my agony! Now, at 57, I can mark it off my bucket list. Thanks!" ..." more
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"As a kid, I could not do the Jacob's ladder. My older cousins could, but would not show me - like most kids, they enjoyed my agony! Now, at 57, I can mark it off my bucket list. Thanks!"
..."
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"Very easy tutorial, it shows you the steps and is very detailed."
"I learned this in 10 seconds!"
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