BUILDING AN ANTI-FOLD OVER, TANGLE RESISTANT GARLAND IN 3 PHASES by Rick Findley[]
KJ Bubbleguy originally conceived of the now very popular garland some time ago--this is a slight variation: an 18 loop garland with 3 1/2" sides using SecureLine clothesline cord with a removable core (cord type suggested and recommended by Glowby--thankyou! And please refer to Soap Bubble Wiki for notes by Glowby on how to prepare new cord). []
IMPORTANT NOTE (UPDATE): I have eliminated the zip-tie from one side of each loop with no change to the anti foldover feature. After treating the cord the time to construct/build will vary from person-to-person--I made this one in approx. 3 hours.
PHASE I--INSTALLING THE ANTI.FOLDOVER FEATURE. Cut 12" lengths of cord for each loop. This will make a 3 1/2"+ loop on each side.
For this type of string you need to remove the synthetic core.
To add the anti-foldover feature to your galrand you will need some small zip-ties (according to the size of your loops).
Snip off the top and the bottom part of the zip-tie
Cut one end of the zip-tie as shown to make it easier to insert into the center of your cord
Insert the zip-tie into one end of your cord. The zip-tie can be no longer that the length of one side of the loop
PHASE II--BINDING THE ENDS TOGETHER. Securing the ends of the loop with a durable braided synthetic string approx. 8-10" long. The string loop should be at least 1 1/2" long as shown. Overlap the ends of the cord less than !/2"
Holding onto the loop end of the string as shown start wrappping the long end of the string tightly around the cord and over the string loop
You now have 2 loose ends that need to be snipped off--test the strength of the connection to make sure it is durable.
After snipping off the ends, melt them with a lighter...
...so they are barely visible. After quickly applying flame to the ends and getting them to melt and bead up I pinch the melted ends with my fingertips to bond it to the wrap.
Completed loop with a zip-tie anti-foldover feature on one side. It is important that the top of the hoop does not have the zip-tie.
PHASE III--BUILDING THE GARLAND. Purchase a large sewing needle from a fabric store
With the string wrap exactly at the bottom of the loop, find the point where the loop will attach which makes the loop equilateral in length
The string should be cut at about a 4-6" length.
Tie a small barrel swivel (size 0 or 1) onto the loop with a double or triple knot
Again, Snip off the extra string and melt it as shown
Follow the same procedure for the next loop
This is how each one of the loops will attach to each other. This method also does not "choke" off the cord to prevent even absorbing of fluid
Continue the process until you have your anti-foldover, tangle resistant garland assembled.
Attach a larger swivel to opposite ends of the garland that will attach to your leader
I chose to use a wooden dowel plug (1" long) inserted into the tip of a bamboo stick to attached the leader end of the garland.
Completed anti-foldover, tangle resistant garland design. Time to construct after treating the cord: varies from person to person--I built this one in approx. 3 hours.