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Easy Cat's Cradle String Directions

Cat's cradle is a string game played around the world by a variety of different cultures. One of the essential figures of the two-person version of the game is called the "cat's cradle" -- and it's from this starting point that the game derives its name. The cat's cradle figure can be made in a few easy steps, with only one set of hands required to make the figure.

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a piece of string or yarn measuring 36 inches long, and tie the ends of the string together to form a loop.
- 2
  Hold the palms so they're facing each other, and stretch the loop of string so it's tight between both hands. Leave the thumb outside of the loop so the string rests in the groove between the thumb and index fingers.
- 3
  Loop the string once around both hands, making sure to keep the thumbs outside of the loops. The string should now be wrapped around the palm of each hand once and the back of each hand twice.
- 4
  Slide the middle finger of one hand through the single loop on the opposite palm, and then pull the hand back so the string is taut.
- 5
  Repeat Step 4 with the ring finger on the opposite hand to complete the "cat's cradle" figure. To make it look more like a cradle, temporarily invert the hands so the fingers are pointing downwards.

Kids Games