Two More UFOs

A contemporary string figure created in 1981 by Yukio Shishido of Kyoto, Japan. It resembles a string figure we featured in May ("Two UFOs") but the football-shaped cages that represent flying saucers are separated rather than fused. One transformation (Step 7) and two alternative endings (Steps 8a and 8b) are offered.

<Full-length video in Windows Media Player>

Step-by-Step Video Clips

Written Instructions

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8a 8b all

Step 6 - Release 2 loop; extend partially, stopping as soon as the released loops no longer cross.

At this point the design consists of two triangles, each bisected by a pair of parallel transverse strings that run from palm to palm. The near string of the pair passes under the base string of each triangle, while the far string passes over.

2 and 3 enter their respective triangle from above and trap the near string of the pair between their tips; 2 and 3 carry the trapped string over the far string of the pair, then 2 hooks up the far string, rotating towards you and up as it returns (the trapped string is released in the process).

Extend in three dimensions by separating 1, 2, and 5 as widely as possible. You have "Two More UFOs".