How to Make a Twine Rosary

The rosary is one of the oldest tools of prayer. Associated with Roman Catholics and the Roman Catholic Church, it is a tool that members use to ask for the help of Mary, the mother of Jesus, for a large variety of concerns. Traditional rosary chaplets consist of beads strung on a chain or a rope, while a twine rosary is made completely out of twine. The "Our Father" and "Hail Mary" prayers are recited on the beads of traditional rosaries, and on the knots of twine rosaries. Although it is widely considered a Roman Catholic prayer tool, anyone may incorporate the rosary into a prayerful life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nylon twine
• Candle
• Masking tape
• Crucifix
• Scissors

1. Measure 20 feet of nylon twine. Mark the 20 feet spot and wrap it with masking tape to keep it from fraying. Cut through the tape at the 20-feet mark.

2. Fold your twine in half over your index finger. Place one half of the twine over the other half so that they form an X on your finger. Wind this half of the twine over your finger, two additional times, under the first loop and in the same direction. You should now have three loops on your finger.

3. Move the loops to the end of your finger. Put the taped end of your twine into the loops and pull it through until you form a tight knot. Each loop should remain aligned with the others.

4. Use Steps 3 and 4 to make nine more knots to complete a decade. There should be enough space for the tip of your little finger between each knot.

5. Make an "Our Father" knot. There should be an inch of space between the last "Hail Mary" knot you made and the "Our Father" knot. Use the procedure in Step 3 to make the knot, but wrap the twine around your finger five times. Make the knot tight.

6. Leave an inch of space for the first "Hail Mary" knot in the next decade. Using the steps above, make two more decades in one direction from the completed decade and then make two more decades in the other direction from the completed decade.

7. Hold the first "Hail Mary" knot of the first decade with the last knot of the last decade. Fold the twine trailing from these knots over your index finger to make an X.

8. Make two loops with the strands. Pull the ends of the twine through the loops to form a tight centerpiece knot. This knot should be ¾ inches away from the "Hail Mary" knots. Make an "Our Father" knot and three "Hail Mary" knots.

9. Begin the last "Our Father" knot. Make five loops, pass the twine through the loops and then add a crucifix to the twine. Take the twine back through the loops of the knot and pull to tighten.

10. Cut the trailing ends with a pair of scissors. Singe the ends over a lit candle to stop them from unraveling.

Resources

• Learn about the rosary at the website for EWTN