Tzitzis are a traditional Jewish garment that features four fringes or tassels, representing the 613 commandments in the Torah. They are often connected to a four-cornered garment called a tallit katan, which is typically worn daily by observant Jewish men. Making your tzitzis can be both a rewarding and spiritual process. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make your tzitzis.

Materials:

1. Tallit katan or other four-cornered garment.

2. Four sets of kosher tzitzis strings (total of 16 strings; 12 long strings and 4 shorter ones called shamashim).

3. A white sewing thread.

4. Scissors.

5. Measuring tape or ruler.

6. A needle.

Step 1: Preparing the Garment

Make sure that your tallit katan or other garment with four corners is clean and free of any rips or tears. If necessary, mend the garment before moving on to adding the tzitzis.

Step 2: Marking the Hole Locations

On each corner of the garment, measure about 2 inches (5cm) from both edges where they meet and mark the spot where you will make a hole for the tzitzis strings to pass through.

Step 3: Creating Holes

Using your needle or a different pointed object, gently push it through the marked spot on each corner to create a small hole. Be careful not to tear or damage the fabric while doing this.

Step 4: Thread the Strings

Divide the tzitzis strings into four groups of four [(Three long strings and one shamash (shorter string)) per group].
Take one group of strings and fold them in half so that you have eight ends with equal lengths hanging down. Carefully insert the folded middle part of the strings through the hole in one corner of the garment from the outside to the inside. Make sure that the shamash is at least twice as long as the other strings.

Step 5: Anchoring Knot

Position the folded end of the strings about one inch from the hole. Holding them tightly together, tie a secure double-knot to anchor them to the corner of the garment. Ensure that both lengths of the shamash are on one side of this double-knot.

Step 6: Wrapping

Grasp all seven longer strings together, while holding one piece of shamash separately. Begin wrapping this shamash around cords,close to the double-knot, two or more times.

Traditionally, you will make a series of five double knots with specific wraps or windings between them, following a prescribed pattern (7-8-11-13 wraps). Follow your preferred custom when determining how many times to wrap the shamash around the longer strings between each double knot.

Step 7: Final Knot

After completing all wraps and knots, form a final double knot beneath your last wrapping. This should be your fifth double knot for each tzitzis.

Step 8: Trim Excess Strings

Using scissors, trim any excess string lengths so that they match and have a tidy appearance. Make sure not to trim too closely to the last knot.

Step 9: Repeat Steps 4-8 for Remaining Corners

Repeat steps 4 through 8 for each remaining corner with corresponding strings.

Once you have completed all four tzitzis, your garment is now ready to wear! Remember to treat your tzitzis with care as they are an important symbol in daily prayer and Jewish life.