String Figure Glossary

by Martin Probert

The fingers are referred to as thumb, index, middle finger, ring finger and little finger.
To put the string in Position 1, insert the thumbs and little fingers into the loop and extend (draw the hands apart until the string is taut). The string which runs across either palm is a palm or palmar string. The strings which run straight across from one hand to the other are the transverse or frame strings.
To pick up a string, pass the tip of the finger under the string and raise the string on the back of the finger, returning the finger to its normal position.
To form Opening A, put the string in Position 1, then with the right index pick up the left palmar string, then pass the left index between the two strings on the right index and with the left index pick up the right palmar string, and extend. There will now be six loops, one on each thumb, index finger and little finger. Each loop consists of two strings, a near string (the string nearest the body) and a far string.
To hook up a string, reach over the string with the tip of the finger and pull up the string with the soft pad of the finger.
To navaho the loops on a finger, lift the lower loop up over the upper loop and off the finger altogether.