Simple! A classic but popular cat’s cradle trick. Learn cat’s cradle and have fun!

butterfly

[Ayatori String Game] How to Make a Ayatori Butterfly

Butterflies are among the beautiful insects that often become models for play that creates various shapes, such as string figures (cat’s cradle), shadow puppets, and origami.

Their beauty naturally makes you want to create them, doesn’t it? This particular butterfly can be made to look intricate just by giving it a slight twist, without going through complex steps, so it’s recommended even for small children.

If you use thread with variegated or multicolored dyeing, you might be able to make an even more beautiful butterfly.

There are also several other methods for making a string figure called “butterfly.”

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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crab

How to make an easy string figure “Crab” — for toddlers, kids, and beginners [with audio commentary] | String figure / Grandma’s Ayatori

Simple but cute! Let’s make a “crab.” Hook the string onto both thumbs and little fingers.

With the middle finger of your right hand, take the string from the left palm.

Then, with the middle finger of your left hand, reach between the strings looped on the right middle finger and take the string from the right palm.

Bring your right thumb over all the strings, then rotate your wrist and slip your thumb under the strings.

With your right thumb pointing upward, pick up from above the nearer of the two strings on the left thumb, pass back under the strings as if retracing your path, and bring your palms to face each other again.

With your left thumb, pick up the upper string looped on the right thumb, then release only the lower strings from both thumbs.

Your crab is complete!

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sasashina

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single-step ladder

How to Make the Ayatori “Single-Layer Ladder” — Easy! [With Audio Commentary] / Grandma’s Ayatori

Among string figures, the ladder is a popular one, and there are ladders ranging from easy to difficult.

Let’s try the simple one-rung ladder.

Even though it’s simple, it requires subtle finger control, so if a child doesn’t quite get it, it’s good to guide them.

There are solo and two-person string figures; the two-person versions involve taking the other person’s strings and developing the shapes together, which gives your brain quite a workout.

It may seem simple, but it’s also good brain training.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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two brooms

How to Make the Ayatori 'Two Brooms' — This is the Easy and Clear Method! [With Audio Explanation] / Grandma’s Ayatori

The broom is one of the popular string figures, but the broom I’m introducing here is a deluxe version with brooms on both ends.

Be sure to give it a try.

The steps are a bit complex—so much so that you might be doubtful halfway through about whether it will really turn into two brooms—but once you complete it, it’s a lot of fun.

Once you’ve learned to make various string figures like this, you might enjoy creating your own original designs.

I encourage you to challenge yourself that far!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Mount Fuji

Easy Cat’s Cradle “Mount Fuji” Tutorial with Audio Guide for Beginners

Let’s make a celebratory “Mount Fuji”! Hook the string onto the thumbs and pinkies of both hands.

With your right middle finger, pick up the string from the left palm.

Then, with your left middle finger, reach between the strings on the right middle finger and pick up the string from the right palm.

Remove the strings from your thumbs, and pick up the string between your middle and ring fingers from underneath.

Using the opposite hand, remove the string from your middle finger.

With your index finger, pick up the string farthest from you, and remove the string from your pinky.

With your pinky, pick up the second-closest string to you, and, without removing the string from your index finger, loop that string over each ring finger.

As at the beginning, use the middle finger of the opposite hand to pull out the loops from each middle finger.

Finally, remove the strings from your thumbs to complete Mount Fuji!

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sasashina

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4-step ladder

How to Make the Ayatori “Four-Step Ladder” – Easy and Clear! [With Voice Commentary] / Grandma’s Ayatori

Hook the string over both thumbs and little fingers.

With the middle finger of your right hand, pick up the string from the palm of your left hand from underneath; do the same with the middle finger of your left hand to pick up the string from your right hand.

Remove the strings from your thumbs, pass your thumbs under all the strings, then, using both thumbs from underneath, pick up the string farthest from you.

With your thumbs, pick up the string between your middle and ring fingers.

Remove the strings from your little fingers, then with each little finger, from underneath, pick up the nearer of the two strings that are on its thumb.

Remove the strings from your thumbs, and with your thumbs pick up the string between the ring finger and the little finger.

Transfer the strings that are on the middle fingers onto their respective thumbs.

Remove the string closest to you from each thumb, insert your middle fingers into the triangular gap between each index finger and thumb, and press down onto the palms.

Slip the strings off your little fingers and spread both hands outward, pushing from the inside to the outside—the four-step ladder is complete! The strings on the middle fingers will come off naturally, so don’t worry about them.

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sasashina

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Let’s try cat’s cradle!

Ayatori Challenge [Solo Ayatori]

Cat’s cradle is a game you can enjoy anywhere with just one string! It’s great for kids to play indoors, and you can make various shapes even by yourself.

It might look difficult at first, but with practice you’ll get the hang of it.

Start with easier ones like “Easy Rubber,” then try “Broom” and “Star,” and once you’re used to it, you can even make the advanced “Ladder.” Moving your hands also helps your brain work well.

It’s fun to use the string to come up with and create your own original shapes, too.

You’ll lose track of time playing, so give it a try!

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kepiko

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