How to Fold a Paper Finger Puzzle

A Chinese finger puzzle is easy to make.

Chinese finger puzzles are popular gag toys usually found in goody bags or arcade prize counters. Also called Chinese finger traps or Chinese handcuffs, these toys have a long history of teaching the virtue of patience. Stick an index finger in each end of the puzzle and before you know it, you are stuck. The harder you pull, the tighter its hold. Making your own Chinese finger puzzle takes only minutes and is a simple, satisfying project.

Things You'll Need

• Four paper strips, 1 1/4 inches by 11 inches
• Glue or tape
• Marker or other 1/2-inch-diameter, cylinder-shaped object

Instructions

1. Fold each paper strip 1/2 inch in lengthwise, leaving a 1/4-inch flap at the opened end.

2. Fold 1/4-inch flaps over the opened end of each strip to make a crease.

3. Glue together the ends of two strips to form a 90-degree angle. The 1/4-inch flaps should be on the outside of the angle.

4. Fold and glue the flap of the bottom strip over the top strip. Repeat with the other flap.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining strips.

6. Hold the marker between the two pairs of strips, with the angle of each pair pointing up, like an upside-down "V." Align the top of the marker with the points of the angles.

7. Cross the right-side strips, wrapping the back strip around the marker over the front strip. Wrap the front strip around to the back.

8. Cross the left-side strips, wrapping the back strip around the marker under the front strip. Wrap the front strip around to the back. Cross it under the strip in the back.

9. Cross the strips in the front, with the left side crossing over the right side. Glue the ends together and remove the marker to complete the finger trap.

Tips & Warnings

• Try different-colored paper to create decorative patterns.

• Use a larger marker to make an adult-sized puzzle.

References

• How to make a Chinese finger trap tutorial