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How to Make Animals Out of Chinese String

The term "Chinese string" refers to string typically used to make figures by manipulating it between your fingers. The nomenclature stems from age-old techniques that originated in Asia, but does not denote a particular kind of string. Nylon string is often used for making string figures, as it is inexpensive and malleable, but any kind of string can be used. After choosing among the many animals you can make, you must properly measure and prepare your string to reach "Position 1" -- the starting point for any string figure.

Things You'll Need

Nylon string
Scissors
Lighter
Candle
String animal guide

Instructions

- 1
  Measure an amount of string suitable for your hands and the specific project. Hold the end of the string against the wedge between your thumb and palm. Next, circle it around your palm for eight revolutions. Do not wrap the string around your thumb.
- 2
  Cut the string after the eighth revolution. This provides enough to make the majority of animals and is called a #8 string.
- 3
  Light the candle and set it on a steady surface.
- 4
  Arrange the string so that you have easy access to both ends. Hold the two ends over the candle flame to melt the tips. Quickly press the softened nylon tips together to fuse the nylon. This creates a continuous loop of string.
- 5
  Hook a loop of string on the front of your palm. The string loop stretches from the wedge between your thumb and palm, across your palm and then behind your pinky finger. Hook the string on your other palm in the same manner, and pull your hands apart as far as the string will allow. This is Position 1.
- 6
  Follow the directions provided by your string animal guide to finish the figure.

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