The rosary is a sequence of prayers that Our Lady, Mother of Jesus, asks us to pray to meditate on the mystery of the life of Jesus. These prayers are performed with the help of a series of beads which are used to count each prayer. Keep reading so you can learn how to make your own rosary.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Start Making the Rosary
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
A rosary consists of a cross, 53 beads of the same color for the Hail Mary, and 6 beads of another color for the Lord's Prayer. These crosses and beads will be strung on a string or strong thread according to a pattern.
- Spiritual goods stores usually sell small crosses that are suitable for wearing on a rosary. This shop generally also sells the beads needed for the Hail Mary and Our Father prayers.
- Nylon cords coated with wax are commonly used to make rosaries. Be sure to choose a string that fits into the hole in the center of the bead you are going to use. These beads should be able to pass through the string easily, but not too loose. You will also need a rope approximately 1 meter long.
Step 2. Prepare the beads
A rosary is divided into five groups of "tithes," each consisting of ten beads, and there is also a smaller group of three beads. Divide the beads that will be used for the Hail Mary prayer into five groups with ten beads in each group and another group with three beads. Also prepare beads for the Lord's prayer separately.
Step 3. Prepare the rope
Use a ruler and a ballpoint pen to mark the point on the string 15.2 cm from the end of the string. Make a knot at this point to start the rosary. This knot should be large enough so that the beads don't slide over to the other end of the string.
Method 2 of 3: Making a String of Rosary
Step 1. String 10 Hail Mary beads on a long piece of string
Thread the beads so they are arranged on a long string starting at the knot, making sure that they don't slide over to the other end of the string. After that, tie a second knot at the end of this assembled bead arrangement.
- Leave a small gap between the 2 beads so the beads can still slide, it doesn't need to be too wide. When using the rosary, the person wearing it should be able to move the beads slightly after each prayer.
- If you need help getting a knot somewhere, try this tip: make a loose knot at the point you want to tie. Insert a toothpick into this knot, pull the knot tight and then remove the toothpick.
Step 2. Insert a bead for the Our Father after the second knot
The color of these beads should be different from the color of the 10 Hail Mary beads that you have already strung. Tie a knot again after you've inserted the Our Father's beads.
Step 3. Continue strung 4 more groups of tenths of beads
Once you've tied the first knot after the Our Father, tie another knot, then string 10 more Hail Mary beads. Make another knot, thread the Our Father's beads, knot again, then string another 10 Hail Mary beads. Continue until you have finished making 5 tithe strands, after which you won't need to insert any more Our Father beads. Finish by tying a knot after you've strung the last group of 10 Hail Mary beads.
Method 3 of 3: Finishing the Making of the Rosary
Step 1. Tie by joining the two ends together
Make a beaded loop by tying the two ends of the string after the first and last knot. Now you have a circle of 5 groups of tenths of beads with two hanging strings.
- If the holes in the beads are large enough to pass through the two strings, you can keep the strings together.
- If the holes in the beads are too small to pass through both strings, simply cut the shorter string. Apply clear nail polish or glue to strengthen the last knot before you move on.
Step 2. Insert the last of the Our Father's beads and tie a knot
Step 3. String the beads for the last three Hail Marys
Make another knot to keep the three beads in place.
Step 4. Attach the cross
Tie this cross in two knots after you attach it to the rosary. Apply more clear nail polish or glue to keep the knots from opening. Clamp the remaining string at this knot.
Step 5. Ask for blessings on your rosary
It is customary to ask the priest to bless a rosary before you use it for prayer. Take this rosary to the rectory in your church and ask your pastor to bless it, then use this rosary to pray or give it to someone else.
