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Simple recursive string figures
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These figures are based on simple movements which can be repeated
over and over to increase the complexity of the finished pattern.
The movements can also be applied to some other figures to give
new patterns - exploration can be rewarding.
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Cumulo-nimbus
Cumulo-nimbus are storm clouds; this figure is similar to the North American
string figure of that name, but is a bit simpler to form.
- Two-loop opening.
- L5 >>.
- With 1, pick up 5n.
- With 2, pick up l1f. Release 1.
- Passing 1 under 2n and over 2f, pick up 5n. Release 5.
- Passing 5 under other strings, pick up 1f. Release 1.
- Transfer 2 loop to 1, inserting from below.
- Use your favourite extension
(Murphy's power lift
works well for this one).
The triangular shapes resemble storm clouds as they are depicted
in native American artwork. To add more clouds do the following:
- Return strings to the position they were in after step 7.
- Repeat steps 3 to 8 above. (NB if you used the power lift in step 8, then
simply drop the 2 loop and omit steps 9 and 3).
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Too many chiefs
There's a saying about "too many chiefs and not enough Indians". This is
how it can happen...
- Two-loop opening.
- Pass 1 over other strings and pick up 5f.
- Pass 5 over 5n and l1f, and pick up l1n.
- Navaho 1 and 5. Slide the loops thus formed toward the centre of the figure.
- Use your favourite extension.
This forms the figure known as two chiefs, but using a completely
different method from the standard one. But the really nifty thing is that now you
can keep adding chiefs - as many as you like. To add a pair of chiefs do the following:
- Return strings to the position they were in after step 4.
- With 1, pick up 5n. (NB if you used the power lift in step 5, then steps 6 and 7
can be achieved by simply dropping 2).
- Pass 2 into l1 loop from above, then rotate 2 down, away, and back to position,
thereby picking up l1f on its tip. Release 1.
- Press tips of 1 and 2 together and transfer the loop from 2 to 1.
- Repeat steps 2 to 5 above.
An easier way to add chiefs is simply:
- Pass 1 over other strings, to pick up 5f.
- Pass 5 under other strings, to pick up 1n.
- Navaho 1 and 5.
...but the chiefs formed this way are not quite symmetrical, and differ from the 'official'
chiefs of the two chiefs figure.
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