Maker Monday: Recycled Bag Jump Rope

This week’s Maker Monday gives a lesson in re-using and re-purposing objects that end up getting tossed. Our Recycled Bag Jump Rope is a fun activity in itself. Using your jump rope to play with friends provides an outlet for burning energy and keeping fit.

Depending on where Mom and Dad shop, you can mix and match different colors. The rope can be made to fit as long or as short as it needs to be. The supplies needed are minimal and readily available in most households.

Supplies:

21 to 27 recycled plastic bags

Duct tape

Scissors

Smooth out the bags one at a time. Cut across the top to eliminate the handles. Cut across the seam at the bottom.

Form the bag into a single loop. Begin with six loops, which will be made into three strands for the braid.

Overlap two loops side by side, pulling the bottom loop part way through the top loop.

Continue to loop through and under.

Pull tightly, easing out the air, to make a knot as small as you can. Repeat two times with the other four loops.

Gather the three extended strands together and use duct tape to make a handle for the jump rope.

Have a friend hold the handle or use a heavy book to keep the end in place. Begin braiding, keeping the braid tight and squeezing out the air as you go. When you get close to the end, add a loop to each strand. Continue braiding and adding loops until your jump rope has reached the best length. Finish off the end with another duct tape handle.

Head outdoors with your fancy new jump rope and start skipping!

For more Maker Monday projects and other fun stuff for kids, visit the Kidsburgh Activities page.