Make the Cup and Saucer With String

Making string figures is a pastime that cultures throughout the world have enjoyed for thousands of years. Originally acting as an aid to storytelling, forming string figures has evolved into a game that produces many different shapes and patterns. “Cup and saucer” is one figure that is easy to create, even for a beginner.

Steps

Forming the Initial String Arrangement

  1. Create the looped string. Start with a piece of string measuring approximately 60cm long.[1] If you already have a continuous Cat’s Cradle string, you can use that string, but otherwise, tie the two ends of the string together to create a large loop.
  2. Loop the string around your hands. Loop the string around both of your hands so that the string loops on the outside of both of your thumbs and both of your pinkies. The string should run across both of your palms, specifically over the three inner fingers (pointer, middle, ring).[1]
    • An easy way properly loop the string is to hold the string with one hand, and touch together your thumb and pinky of your other hand. Place your thumb and pinky inside the hole of the looped string. You will now be holding up the string by your thumb and pinky.
    • Then touch together your thumb and pinky of your other hand, and again place them inside the hole of the looped string. Pull your hands apart to make the string taut, and fully widen your hands.
  3. Pull the palm strings. With the string taut, bring your right pointer finger over to the left palm string. Slide your pointer finger under the left palm string and pull it back to your right side.[2] Then bring your left pointer finger to your right palm. Slide your pointer finger under the left palm string (directly beneath your right pointer finger), and pull it back to your left side.
    • It does not matter if you first pull the string with your left or right pointer finger. The formation will still be the same.
    • Some people use their pointer fingers to pull the palm strings, while others use their middle fingers. It is really based on personal preference, but if you have smaller hands, it may be easiest to complete the cup and saucer if you pull the palm strings using your pointer fingers.
  4. Tighten the string. Your hands should be pulled apart as far as the string will allow, with your fingers pointing up, spread apart, and palms facing toward each other. This is called “Opening A.”[3]
    • It is very important that you tighten the string after each step by pulling your hands apart from each other. A taut string will lead to easy visibility of the strings, and crisp string formations.

Creating the Cup and Saucer

  1. Pick up the far forefinger string. Use your thumbs to reach over the strings to the furthest pointer finger strings.[4] Hook your thumbs underneath these far pointer finger stings and pull your thumbs back toward their normal position.
  2. Move the lower thumb string. Move the lower thumb string (running straight across from thumb to thumb) over your two thumbs. Some people do this by using their teeth to pull the string up and over their thumbs, and some people manipulate their thumbs to roll right under the lower thumb string.[5]
    • You can alternatively try to lift each side of the bottom thumb string using your opposite pointer finger and thumb to pinch the string and move it. How you move the lower thumb string is all based on personal preference.
  3. Drop the pinky string. Release the string from your two pinky fingers by letting the string fall from the pinky fingers.[1] Pull your thumbs and hands apart to reveal the “cup and saucer” formation. You can tilt your hands horizontally so the cup and saucer can be positioned more realistically.
    • For an added trick, you can use your teeth to pull the top string of the “cup” and pull your pointer fingers downward to create the “Eiffel Tower.”



Tips

  • There are many more string figure games. It is a great pastime and you can find more figures through wikiHow, books, or websites.
  • 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.
  • 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) 8 times. Cut the string and tie or melt the ends together.
  • You can simply tie the string together with a square knot, then trim off the ends. However, eventually you'll want a string loop without knots.
  • Make sure the string is tight, but, not too tight. You don't want to cut off circulation to your hands.
  • You can use whatever string you can find laying about (including yarn), but nylon string works best.

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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.kidspot.com.au/things-to-do/activities/string-game-cup-and-saucer
  2. ↑ http://www.kidspot.com.au/things-to-do/activities/string-game-cup-and-saucer
  3. ↑ http://www.stringfigures.info/cfj/opening-a.html
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AtT-pioprk
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AtT-pioprk
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