Make a Hand Catch With String



The Art of String Figures is found in many cultures of the world. In Hawaii it is known as Hei. String figures are really fun to make! Long before TV, or even books, people were using string figures to illustrate the stories they told around the campfire.

Steps

  1. Do Opening A:
    1. Start with Position 1.
    2. Move your right forefinger left, and pick up the left palm string. Move the right forefinger back to its original position and tighten the strings.
    3. Move your left forefinger right, through the right forefinger noose, and lift up the right palm string.
    4. Move the left forefinger back to its original position. Check to make sure your string looks like the picture to the right.
  2. Keep the strings intact, and hold your hands out towards the person you are playing with. Tell them to put one hand through the center of the figure.
  3. Slowly release the strings from both of your little fingers and forefingers, so make sure you keep the strings on the thumbs. You have now caught the other kid's hand with the string.
  4. Do Opening A again, keeping the far string around the other kid's wrist. Tell them to move their hand back, under and up into the center of the figure.
  5. Let go of the strings on your little fingers and forefingers again, and pull your thumbs apart. The string should not hook on

Tips

  • There are many more string figure games. It is a great pastime and you can find more figures through wikiHow, books, or websites.
  • You can use whatever string you can find laying about, including yarn, but nylon string works best.
  • To determine the correct length of string for your hand size, hold the end of the string between your thumb and against the edge of your palm, then wrap the string loosely around your palm (but not thumb) 10 times. Cut the string and tie or melt the ends together.
  • Craft stores also have braided nylon string that can be used. Some figures come out best if you use a thin slippery string, and heavy-test braided nylon fishing line works well. A thicker nylon string is also readily available and works well.
  • If you can not get a nylon string grab an old shoelace and lather it with soap
  • You can simply tie the string together with a square knot (don't tie a granny knot), then trim off the ends, but eventually you'll want a knotless string loop.

Things You'll Need

  • String loop
  • Friend to play along

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  • String Figures - Original source of information. Shared with permission.
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