String Figures Video Showcase

The equipment you need to make string figures is pretty basic - a piece of string is all you need. However you will need to prepare it before you start playing, and really it's not a good idea just to cut a long length and tie a granny knot in it to join the ends - in the more complicated figures the knot will get in the way and snag the loops and strings.

You can buy ready made string loops - resources are provided in the Resources section - but it's equally easy to make them yourself. All you need to start with is a tape measure or ruler, some glue and a ball of string.

Strings are referred to by the length of loop used. Usually professionals will have several different lengths - I keep a 3 foot, 4 foot, 6 foot and 8 foot loop handy. For a 3 foot loop you will need a piece of string 6 feet long, a four foot loop will require a piece 8 feet long and so on.

Some people advocate joining the ends by melting a piece of nylon string in a flame and then using the melted ends to join the string. I find it just as easy to take a tube of glue and covering the ends of the string in glue for about an inch. Overlap the ends of one of the lengths of string and squeeze them together so that a smooth circle of string is formed. Leave to dry for 24 hours and the string will be usable for several years.

Don't try to use the string before the glue has fully dried, because you may pull the ends apart and have to start again.