How to Create a Chinese Finger Trap
Introduction
A Chinese finger trap, also known as a finger puzzle, is a traditional novelty toy that has entertained people for centuries. The toy consists of a woven tube, usually made of bamboo or paper, which traps the fingers of a person when they insert them into both ends and try to pull their fingers out. In this article, we will guide you through the steps required to make your own Chinese finger trap at home.
Materials Needed
1. Flexible paper strips (e.g., colored construction paper, newspaper, or magazine pages) – Eight pieces of ½-inch by 12-inch strips
2. Scissors
3. Glue or adhesive tape
Step-by-step Guide on Making a Chinese Finger Trap
Step 1: Choose Your Paper Strips
Select eight paper strips of contrasting colors for an appealing design. You can use any lightweight and flexible material like construction paper, newspapers, or magazines. The dimensions of the strips should be ½ inch wide and 12 inches long.
Step 2: Prepare The Strips
If you’re using newspaper or magazine pages, fold the strips in half lengthwise several times until they’re about ½ inch wide with extra stiffness.
Step 3: Cross Two Strips To Make A T Shape
Take two paper strips and lay them on a flat surface in the shape of the letter ‘T’. The horizontal strip should be beneath the vertical strip. Make sure that their centers overlap.
Step 4: Weave Two Additional Strips
Grab two more paper strips and weave them around the initial ‘T’ structure. To do this:
– Place one strip beneath all existing strips.
– Let it hang over the left side of the vertical strip.
– Fold the right part of this new strip above the original horizontal strip and below the original vertical one.
– Grab another new strip and place it above all existing ones.
– Let it hang over the right side of the vertical strip.
– Fold the left part of this new strip below the original horizontal strip and above the original vertical one.
Step 5: Continue Weaving Around The Frame
Continue weaving by adding strips, alternating the pattern:
- Above existing ones, folding over vertical strips and weaving under horizontal strips.
- Below existing ones, folding below vertical strips, and weaving over horizontal strips
Repeat until you have used all eight strips.
Step 6: Secure The Ends
Tighten your weave by pushing it together from both sides. Use glue or adhesive tape to secure the ends of each strip to prevent unraveling.
Step 7: Test Your Finger Trap
Insert your fingers into both ends of the trap and feel the magic as you try pulling them out – only for the trap to tighten around your fingers. Don’t worry; you can release your fingers by relaxing and pushing towards each other, which loosens the trap.
Conclusion
Now that you have mastered the art of creating a Chinese finger trap, you can make variations with different materials or sizes. These homemade toys are simple yet fascinating and can be used for entertainment during social gatherings or as amusing gifts for friends and family. Moreover, crafting your own Chinese finger trap can help improve your dexterity and concentration skills.