A cord rosary is a simple yet beautiful way to promote prayer and devotion. It’s easy to make, durable, and perfect for personal use or as a heartfelt gift. Follow these 15 steps to create your own cord rosary.

1. Gather Your Materials: To make a cord rosary, you’ll need cord (e.g., nylon or cotton), plastic or wooden beads, a crucifix, a centerpiece, scissors, and an optional lighter for sealing the ends of the cord.

2. Cut Two Lengths of Cord: Cut one long piece (approximately 60 inches) and one short piece (about 15 inches).

3. Attach the Crucifix: Fold the long cord in half, placing the crucifix in the center. Tie an overhand knot just above the crucifix.

4. String the Decade Beads: On each side of the cord, add ten beads for the first decade. Slide each bead down next to the knot above the crucifix.

5. Tie Knots Between Beads: After each bead, tie a knot to keep them separated.

6. Create Medals for Each Decade: For each decade beyond the first, tie a special knot or use another method of distinguishing it from regular counter knots.

7. Continue Adding Decades and Medals: Repeat steps 4-6 until you have five decades separated by medals.

8. Add Centerpiece: After completing all five decades with their respective medals, thread both ends of the long cord through the centerpiece.

9. Divide Cords for Pater Beads: Separate cords on either side of centerpiece – two on right, three on left – and thread a single bead on each side.

10. Knot between Pater Beads: At the top of each bead (away from centerpiece), tie individual double knots onto each cord pair.

11. Trim and Seal Ends: Cut excess cord after each knot, leaving about a quarter-inch tail. Use a lighter to carefully melt the ends – this will prevent fraying.

12. Attach Short Cord: Fold the short length of cord in half, and thread its loop through the loop at the top of the centerpiece.

13. String Beads onto Short Cord: Slide three beads onto both ends of the short cord, placing them under the centerpiece loop.

14. Knot between Beads: Like with the decades, tie a knot after each of these three beads.

15. Complete Rosary: Finish by trimming and sealing the ends of the short cord as before.

Your cord rosary is now complete! You can rejoice in your handiwork and cherish your new prayer tool. Whether you plan to share your cord rosary with others or keep it for yourself, it will undoubtedly serve as a reminder of your faith and commitment.