Are you already proficient in making some shapes using rope and want to add to your skills? The Eiffel Tower can be a form that is both fun and challenging to learn to master. It may take some time to practice, but once you know the different ways to make them, you can make them for fun, as part of a show, or to teach your friends.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Simple Eiffel Tower with Rope
Step 1. Find a suitable piece of rope
Any type of rope can be used but must be at least 1 meter long if you are a child or have very small hands, or at least 1.2 meters if you have larger hands.
Step 2. Tie both ends with a knot
Cut the excess rope from the knot. You now have a rope with a full circle.
Step 3. Start making shapes with string
Place the string over both thumbs. Now position your hands so that your palms are facing each other and are at least 30 cm apart. Move your pinky under the string so that the string is attached to the two fingers. Pull the rope tightly.
Step 4. Use the index finger of either hand to hook the string from the other hand
You need to hook the rope in the opposite hand of the rope that runs in front of the three middle fingers on the palm of your hand.
- Repeat on the other hand, looping the string around the index finger from the middle of the other hand.
- Pull the shape on the string tightly once more. Now you have a rope shape with an “open a” position. This position is the starting position for creating many shapes.
Step 5. Move each thumb toward the little finger of the same hand, past the two closest strings and looping from under the third string
- Once the third string is looped, pull your thumb back to the starting position, pulling the shape firmly as you do so.
- You now have two loops of string on each thumb, the bottom loop, which was originally on the thumb, and the top loop, which you just hooked.
Step 6. Remove the bottom circle from the thumb
You will do this by turning your thumb toward your palm. As you do this, you'll make sure that the top loop is still attached to your thumb as you release it.
- If turning your thumb this way is too difficult, you can take the bottom loop with your mouth and pull it around your thumb.
- Make sure you keep the shape of the rope tight as you complete this step. It is very important that you make sure that no other circle is released other than the previous circle that is released.
Step 7. Release the loop on your little finger, pulling the string firmly as you let go
Pulling the string firmly as it is released will prevent the other loop from slipping.
Step 8. Rotate your hand so that your thumb is on top
Now you will see the classic “cup and plate” rope shape.
The shape of this rope is fully explained with illustrations, here
Step 9. Spread the cup and saucer shape by bringing your hands together
Make sure that even if the shape of your string loosens all the loops stay on the finger.
Step 10. Bite the string that runs between your thumbs with your teeth
Pull the string with your teeth up, toward your fingertips.
If you don't want to pull it with your teeth, tuck a thumbtack into a board that won't move when you pull it. Hook the rope with nails rather than your teeth
Step 11. Release the loop on the thumb slowly while pulling the string with your teeth towards the fingertips
The result will look like the Eiffel Tower.
Method 2 of 2: Making an Intricate Eiffel Tower with Ropes
Step 1. Find a piece of rope to work with
You can use any type of rope but it must be at least 1 m long for children and at least 1.2 m long for adults.
Step 2. Tie both ends
Tie it in a knot and cut off the excess string from the knot. You now have a rope with a full circle.
Step 3. Start making the rope shape by placing the string over both thumbs
With your palms facing each other, hook your little finger under the string so that the rope wraps around the two fingers. Pull the rope firmly, but not too tightly.
Step 4. Use the index finger of either hand to hook the string that runs across the palm of the other hand
This loop must be made opposite the string that goes across the three middle fingers.
- Repeat this step with the other hand, tying the string with the index finger of the middle of the other hand.
- Pull the rope shape firmly once again.
- This position is called “a open”. This is the starting position for the manufacture of various shapes of rope.
Step 5. Remove the loop from the thumb
Pull the string tightly as you do so, so you don't let go of the other loops.
Step 6. Rotate your hands so that your palms are facing downwards but make sure that each circle stays in contact with your fingers
There will now be four strands of rope running across both hands.
Step 7. Hook your thumb through the bottom of the rope and then return your hand to its original position
Step 8. Bring the first string to your index finger with your thumb
Then hook under the second string on the index finger.
Step 9. Remove all the circles on your little finger
After you let go, rotate your hands so that your palms are facing up.
Step 10. Move your little finger over the nearest string and through the bottom of the second string, the second string from the top
Return your hands to their original position after doing this, with your palms facing each other.
Step 11. Untie the two strands of string that go around your thumb
Pull the rope form tightly. Now you have a rope shape called Cat Whiskers.
Step 12. Move your thumb up two strands of string on your index finger and under the first string on your little finger, looping the string around your thumb
Now you have a string wrapped around your little finger, index finger, and thumb.
Step 13. Take the circle on your right index finger, spread it apart, and loop it around your thumb
This top circle should be on your right thumb and index finger.
- Use the fingers of your left hand to spread and move this hoop without releasing the attached rope. This may be a bit difficult but do it slowly and carefully.
- Repeat this step on the other hand.
Step 14. Pull the bottom circle on one thumb up and then release
Be careful that the loop at the top of the thumb stays in place.
- Repeat this step on the other hand as well.
- You will see a small triangle on both hands between the index finger and thumb.
Step 15. Run your index finger through the two small triangles you just made in the previous step
Bend your index finger slightly and point it into the triangular hole.
Step 16. Rotate your hand 180 degrees, so that your thumb is facing up
While doing this you should also remove your little finger from the string that is wrapped around it. Flipping your hand will also release the second circle from your index finger while holding the new circle created from the triangle.
- Now you have Jacob's Ladder!
- This is the most difficult step of this method. Don't give up if you fail several times. Keep practicing so you can do it proficiently.
Step 17. Position your Jacob's Ladder upright, with one hand on the bottom and the other on the top
Bring your fingers together on the top hand and pull your string form tightly. You have now seen the Eiffel Tower before your eyes!
