As I had several requests, here is a basic guide to constructing a flagellate for the Rosary. The guide is using string, but can be applied to chain-link Rosaries sans knot work.

Strand Construction

Here, you want to construct the strands which will hold the decades.

1. Measure out string lengths; depending on the bead size and string, you may need 2 or 3 individual strings per strand to ensure the beads will stay snug. The strings will be twice the final length, as both ends will go through the beads to create the loops at the top. *{*Pic2}

2. Apply the Our Father bead first, then either make an extra long gap between it and the first Hail Mary *or* use a larger/textured bead. Then add the 10 Hail Marys: how you choose to arrange them (knot between each, grouped, all together) is your prerogative. {Pic3}

Bounding the Parts

This section connects all the individual strands and forms the cord (handle).

1. Measure out 4 long same-length strings, plus a 5th which is much longer than the others; then loop each strand with a string, {Pic4} then tie all the new strings together. {Pic5}

Beading the Cord

Time to apply the intro beads; exactly how close all the beads and knits are will need to be determined.

1. Take one of the extra-long strings and tie consecutive overhand knots around the rest of the strings: this process makes the cord a single solid unit. {Pic6}

2. If you want beads, apply them inbetween the knots as possible; you will need to pause the knotting, string the bead and move it into place, then resume. {Pic6} Larger beads may require the entire set of strings to be tied into a larger knot. Then finish the cord off with a knot that uses all of the loose strands.

Extra: The Adornment

How to add a crucifix or medal to the Rosary-Flagellate. This is how I specifically like to do it.

1. Tie the final knot to finish the cord, then thread all the strings through the metal/plastic loop. Make sure to thread through the back of the loop.

2. Spilt the strings into two groups, wrap them around the central cluster that is about to be going through the back of the loop, then tie a square knot followed by an overhand using all of the strings together. Trim excess to desired length.

This is a rosary I made in the same style as my Passion Flagellate (what I call this arrangement of prayer beads). The handle has beads for the opening prayers, and each strand is a full decade: perfect for any prayers that use a Rosary. I fashioned this because I wanted to create, and have found praying with a Flagellate works better than using a Rosary.

The colors are the 4 primary liturgical colors, plus blue in honor of our Heavenly Queen.

The end of each strand that connects to the others has three knots as a reminder of the Holy Trinity; between each Our Father and Hail Mary beed are two knots for Christ's dual nature; the handle has its 3 knots, followed by 7 wrap-arounds, and the two lengths separating the end & middle beads are 12 wrap-arounds for the apostles.