Directions for Making Prayer Beads

Make prayer beads that are meaningful for you.

Prayer beads are beads that you string together in a series on wire or thread, or link together with a chain to create a closed circle. In the West, one of the most familiar forms of prayer beads is the Catholic rosary. The number of beads you use can be symbolic or you can simply choose any number you want.

Prayer beads don't have to be religious; they can be pagan or secular. For instance, you can string a set of beads where each bead represents a phrase of self affirmation. With a simple strand of prayer beads, such as Tibetan prayer beads, one single bead is larger then all the rest. This one bead serves as a starting and ending point to your prayers or affirmations, leaving your mind free to say your prayers rather than trying to keep track of how many you've said.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Waxed linen cord
• 5mm bead, single
• 4mm beads, package
• Jeweler's glue

Instructions

1. Determine how many beads you want to string. Keep in mind that each bead represents one prayer or affirmation.

2. Cut 12 inches of waxed linen cord. Thread one end through the hole of a 5mm bead. Pull about 4 inches through the bead, whip-stitch it through the hole and over the outside of the bead three times. This is your starting and ending bead. Leave the tail end of the cord for now.

3. Thread the opposite end of the cord through the 4mm beads you selected for your string of prayer beads.

4. Tie the two ends of the cord together, but leave about 1/2 inch of slack so you can slide the beads along the cord as you complete each prayer or affirmation.

5. Tie three knots against the side of the 5mm bead. Apply a little jeweler's glue to the knot and let it dry thoroughly before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a decorative charm to your prayer beads for further personalization or symbolism.

• Periodically check the waxed cord for wear and tear. Re-string your prayer beads as needed to avoid a cord break that scatters your beads to the floor.

References

• YouTube: How to Make Prayer Beads