The Cat's Cradle string figure is a classic and well-known game that involves creating different shapes with a piece of string. It requires two players and a piece of string about 1.5 to 2 meters long.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make the Cat's Cradle:
Step 1: Setup:
- Player 1 holds one end of the string in each hand, with their palms facing each other.
- Player 2 stands opposite Player 1, facing them, and also holds the string with one end in each hand.
- The string should be taut between both players.
Step 2: Exchange Loops:
- Player 1 loops their right-hand string under Player 2's left-hand string and brings it over to the right side.
- At the same time, Player 2 loops their right-hand string over Player 1's left-hand string and brings it to the left side.
Step 3: Pull:
- Both players pull the string tightly to form two loops.
Step 4: Create a "Cat's Cradle" Shape:
- Player 1 reaches with their right index finger and gently picks the loop on Player 2's right-hand string up and over.
- Player 1 now has a loop on their right index finger and a loop still in their right hand.
Step 5: Slide Fingers through Loops:
- Player 1 slides the loop from their right index finger onto their right middle finger.
- Player 2 does the same with the loop on their left index finger, shifting it to their left middle finger.
- Both players should have free right and left index fingers.
Step 6: Exchange Loops Again:
- Player 1 repeats Step 2, looping the right-hand string under Player 2's left-hand string and bringing it to the right side.
- Player 2 loops their right-hand string over Player 1's left-hand string and brings it to the left side.
- Both players pull the string taut again.
Step 7: Pull through:
- Player 1 pulls the right-hand string upwards, passing the loop on their right middle finger through the gap created by the two players' hands.
- Player 2 does the same with the loop on their left middle finger.
Congratulations! You have now created the basic "Cat's Cradle" string figure shape. From here, you can explore various other shapes and movements by following different sets of instructions.
Remember, Cat's Cradle requires practice and coordination to master the different figures. Just keep playing, experimenting, and enjoying the creative possibilities with your partner!