How to Roll a Cigarette by Hand

You can and will save money by hand-rolling your own cigarettes. It has been the style in Europe for years, and as the taxes on packaged cigarettes continue to increase, the trend has spread to the United States. A package of rolling tobacco yields about 50 cigarettes, and often costs less than a pack of cigarettes. Not only will you save money, but by rolling your own cigarettes, you have more control over what you are smoking. You can choose what type of rolling paper to use, make or buy your own filters, decide how thick and long to make each cigarette, and of course pick from a wide selection of rolling tobacco. Follow this guide and you will soon be an expert in the art of cigarette rolling.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tobacco Rolling papers Filter

1. Choose a type of rolling tobacco. You can find a variety in many places where cigarettes are sold, but you will encounter a broader selection and more knowledgeable staff at a specialty smoke shop.

2. Buy a pack of rolling papers. Rolling papers are available in various widths, lengths and materials. Start with a standard-size paper. Standard width is called "singlewide," whereas wider papers are called 1-1/4, 1-1/2 and "doublewide." Standard length is about as long as a credit card. Most rolling papers are made out of tissue-thin paper, but you can find flavored, unbleached and clear papers.

3. Make or buy a filter. Filters make cigarettes less harsh and easier to hold. Packages of filters are available for purchase at smoke shops. You can also make your own filter by taking a small rectangle of cardstock and rolling it into a cylinder.

4. Work on a clean, flat surface. Get all the materials ready before you start rolling.

5. 
    
   Crease the paper

   Make a new crease in the rolling paper. Rolling papers are creased down the middle. Hold the paper so the sticky part is on top and facing you. Fold the bottom of the paper up so that it reaches to the right before the sticky part starts.

6. 
    
   Put the tobacco in the paper

   Hold the paper slightly creased like a canoe in one hand and put a few pinches of tobacco in it with the other. Lay the filter onto one end of the canoe--usually the end that is on the side of your dominant hand.

7. Grasp the top edges of the paper with your thumb and pointer of both hands; gently roll the paper back and forth. This will shape the tobacco into a cylinder and make it easier to roll.

8. 
    
   Begin to roll up the paper

   Beginning at the end where you placed the filter, roll the paper up around the tobacco as tightly as possible. Don't worry if some tobacco falls out or if it's not too tight; you can fix that later.

9. After rolling half of the paper, lick the sticky part and roll the rest.

10. Use a pen cap or other pointy object to stuff any extra tobacco into the cigarette cone. Hold the top of the cigarette and gently shake the tobacco down into place.

11. Twist the top of the paper to hold the tobacco in. Pull in through the unlit cigarette to tighten the paper and ensure there are no air leaks. If the cigarette is not to your liking, just rip it open and start over.

Resources

• Rolling Paper Wikipedia Article