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SERAPHIM ICONS - Notes for Making Twine Rosaries

Instructions for making a knotted twine Chaplet can be found on the Order of Malta Connecticut Auxiliary's website for Kennedy's Rosary Project www.krponline.org. There are videos, slides & tips.

The Rosay Army has instructions for making full size twine Rosaries. www.rosaryarmy.newevangelizers.com

Supplies: In addition to twine & a clothespin, you will need a ruler, a candle & some reasonably sharp scissors.

There is a bit of a learning curve on keeping the coils aligned on each knot. Prayer, mindfulness & frustration tolerance are very helpful.

Traditionally, the knots with 3 coils are called Aves, & the knots with 4 coils Paters. Practice both of these on the loose string before embarking on your first Chaplet. The knot that closes the loop is a variant, & these 3 knots are all you use.

The cross may be square, with one knot on each arm, or Latin, with two knots on the bottom.

If you are cutting twine, you may find the Connecticut measurements, which undoubtedly represent Yankee thrift, a bit frustrating, as the slightest deviation in spacing means you run out of cord on the cross. A more generous 28" & 80" will ensure easier finishing. This also allows for the possibility of using a bit wider spacing so the loop can be slipped over the wrist.

A Decenario is 10 ave knots & a square cross, & is worn on the wrist. To make a Decenario start with twine cut to 28" & 56.  They do stretch a bit. 

Twinebydesign.com has lovey solid & variegated colors. This slightly softer twine is particularly nice for Decenarios.

Divinetwine.blogspot.com has hand dyed twine for making "unique & beautiful" Rosaries.

Rosarycord.com has slightly more robust twine. This is ideal for Chaplets. The red has a lunimous quality. I am making Chaplets for Malades & Care Givers for the Lourdes Pilgrimage in this.

Nylonnet.com sells a Cutting Box for Rosary Twine. This is an amazingly wonderful thing to have, especially to prepare twine for a group project.

If you would like to make Rosaries for prisons, they usually need to be black or brown.  Red & blue are gang colors.

Safety note: Always tie your hair back when working with a candle & remember that hot melted twine will burn your fingers.

Prayer For Making Rosaries in Twine

Holy Mother of God, may every knot I tie in this Rosary bind me closer to you in love. As I work to make the coils lie straight, let me align the path of my life with the will of your Son. Let this Rosary, imbued with my prayers & with your love, go out into the world. May it lead the one who holds it to know your presence, Serene as the Moon & Bright as the Sun, & to experience your consolation & healing love. Amen

(Serene as the Moon & Bright as the Sun are taken from the Irish Litany of Mary)
 
Irish Litany of Mary

Great Mary
Greatest of Marys
Greatest of Women
Mother of Eternal Glory
Mother of the Golden Light
Honor of the Sky
Temple of the Divinity
Fountain of the Gardens
Serene as the Moon
Bright as the Sun
Garden Enclosed
Temple of the Living God
Light of Nazareth
Beauty of the World
Queen of Life
Ladder of Heaven
Mother of God
Pray for us
Amen.