Directions for How to Make a Twine Rosary
A rosary is an important symbol of devotion in the Catholic faith. A rosary is not a necklace, but rather a set of prayers wherein the physical rosary the deavotee holds as a physical reminder and anchor. Twine is a a commonly used material for rosaries. These rosaries consist of 50 "Hail Mary" knots and four "Our Father" knots that form five "Decades." Finally, these "Decades" form a circular "Centerpiece" knot with a crucifix attached.
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Things You'll Need
- 20 feet of #36 Nylon Twine
- Lighter or Candle
- Masking Tape
- Crucifix (eyelet must be large enough to allow the twine through)
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Measure out 20 feet of twine and cut it. Put masking tape on the ends to prevent fraying.
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2
Locate the middle of the twine length. Loop this section loosely around your index finger so that it makes an "X" shape. Loop the twine around your index finger twice more for a total of three loops. Make the loops toward your palm.
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3
Move these three loops to the end of your finger without tangling or crossing them. Do not remove them from your finger. Take the taped end of the twine and pass it through the back of the loop (the part of the loop closer to your hand). Pull the entire length of twine through the loops away from the hand holding the loops. Do not release the loops.
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4
Take the loops off your index finger. Do not allow the loops to tangle or cross. Pull the twine so that the knot gets smaller. Pull hard to make the knot tight.
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5
Repeat steps two through four to make a total of 10 "Hail Mary" knots. You should have a finger width of space between each "Hail Mary" knot.
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6
Measure an inch from the last "Hail Mary" knot. Loop the twine around your index finger five times to form an "Our Father" knot. Use the same method as with the "Hail Mary" knots to finish the "Our Father" knot.
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7
Measure another inch of space on either side of the first "Decade" you made. Make two more "Decades" (10 "Hail Mary" knots) on one side of the first "Decade" you made and two more "Decades" on the other side of the first "Decade" you made for a total of five "Decades." Make an "Our Father" knot after finishing each "Decade" to separate it from the next "Decade."
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8
Make a "Centerpiece" knot. Take the first "Hail Mary" knot of the first "Decade" and the last "Hail Mary" knot from the last decade and hold them in line with each other. Loop both lines around your index finger to form an "X" pattern. Loop them over again so that it appears there are four strands lined up. Slip the loops up your finger but do not let go of them or allow them to tangle or cross. Pull the entire length of twine through the loops and then tighten the "Centerpiece" knot.
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9
Measure a small amount of space away from the "Centerpiece" knot. Make an "Our Father" knot. Measure more space equivalent to the above and make three "Hail Mary" knots.
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10
Measure an equivalent length of space again. Begin to make an "Our Father" knot, but do not tighten it. Hold the knot with one hand and slide the crucifix onto the twine with your other hand. Pull the end of the twine through the loops. Tighten the loop now. Don't let the knot move. Pull the other end of the twine to bring the crucifix into the "Our Father" knot.
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11
Cut the loose strings from either end of the rosary. Singe the freshly cut ends with the lighter or candle to prevent fraying.
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Tips & Warnings
Test all the knots to see that you pulled them tight. They will loosen with use.
References
- Photo Credit making a rosary image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
