How to Knot a Mala

Mala knots and tassles come in a variety of forms.

The japa mala or mala is a 108-bead rosary, used by devotees of Hinduism and Buddhism for personal mantra, prayer and meditation. If you make your own mala, stringing the beads will probably be the easiest part. But because knotting can be done in several different ways, finishing the mala can be challenging. Stick to a simple method, such as knotting in a pre-made tassel.

Things You'll Need

• Curved beading needle
• Embroidery yarn
• Guru bead
• Pre-made tassle
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Complete the beading process for the primary 108 mala beads, leaving 7 inches to 9 inches of thread extending from each end of the garland.

2. Knot the ends of the garland by pulling the beads snugly together, then using the two long remaining thread ends, tie several square knots. Make a square knot by placing the right thread over the left, loop under and pull, then take the left thread over the right, loop, and pull. Do this several times. The garland should be snug and will now form a complete circle. Don't cut the threads.

3. Run the looped end of the pre-made tassel through the guru bead. Run both ends of the remaining beading thread through the loop extending from the guru bead. Wrap once, then tie two or three square knots to secure them together.

4. Knot the ends of the beading thread around the garland -- the guru bead and tassle will appear too loose at first, but you are simply attaching the two parts together. Hold the beading threads to the side and loop the tasseled guru bead over the garland once or twice to remove any extra length of yarn -- it may go around only once, but can go a few times, until the guru bead is snug to the garland. Try not to get the beading thread ends locked or tangled underneath.

5. Wrap one side of the beading thread in the opposite direction than the other and tie them tightly close to where the garland and guru bead meet. You can also sew through the entire looped tassel for extra security if you have enough thread. The guru bead should end up on the outside of the garland and all the beads on the garland will still be somewhat snug, including the two nearest the guru bead/tassel attachment area.

6. Run the two beading thread ends through the needle and "sew" it through the guru bead into the tassel, away from the garland end. Splay the tassel with your fingers and tie two or three more square knots from the beading thread you have just pulled through the guru bead. These last knots will be hidden under the tassel. Trim the thread ends to match the length of the tassel if they are the same color, otherwise cut closer to the final knot. Smooth the tassel back to its normal shape.

Tips & Warnings

• To see a range of malas, knot methods and tassel options, visit a place where malas are available, or view images online.

• Choose a guru bead with a hole wide enough to allow the tassel through.

• If you honor certain number symbols, you may wish to knot, loop or wrap that many times.

References

• Religion Facts: Mala: Buddhist Rosary Beads
• Troop 824: Tying A Square Knot (Animation)
• Potala Gate: Prayr Bead & Counters, Guru Beads and Tassels

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Stella Celeste: Snake Knot
• Sakura Designs: Pure Sandalwood Mala (image)
• YouTube: How to Make a Mala Part 4 - The Tassel, by Darren Littlejohn
• Anthropology Museum, University of Missouri: Prayer Beads
• Sakura Designs: What is a Mala?
• Berlin Embroidery: Needles