How to Make a Jump Rope

Select your rope. You can select from a variety of materials that can work as a rope. You can get an actual rope from your local hardware store, or you can use ropes made of leather, PVC, or elastic.

• Different fabrics will have an effect on the speed, durability and versatility of your rope.^[1] For example, leather ropes are great for speed, but can feel like a whip when they hit your skin, so leather is not a great choice for children.
• If you plan to use your jump rope on hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, it is better to use relatively sturdy materials to prevent breakage. Braided nylon is a good, durable choice.

Cut the rope. Measure the length from the top of your chest to your feet. Multiply it times 2. The total number will give you a good length to cut your rope.

• If you are not making the jump rope for yourself, you will need to get those measurements from the person you are making the jump rope for.
• If you can't get a measurement, you can just go with a 7-foot (approx. 2 m) rope for most children. For people between 5'2"-5'6" (1.57-1.68 m) in height, you can use an 8-foot (2.45 m) rope. For people who are 5'6"-6'2" (1.68-1.88 m) tall, you can use a 9-foot (2.8 m) rope. And for people taller than 6'3" (1.91 m), go with a 10-foot (3 m) rope.^[2]
• You can always adjust the knots to shorten the rope later on, so it's best to have a little extra length to begin with.
• You will want to use a much longer rope if you plan to do double Dutch jumping. A rope of 12 feet (3.7 m) will be sufficient for one jumper, and add 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) for each additional jumper.

Select your handles. Handles will have a big impact on how your jump rope performs. You can purchase some handles at a sporting goods store, or make some yourself using items around your home.

• To make some handles at home you can cut 2 pieces of 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) PVC pipe in equal lengths of 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) depending on your preference. Drill a hole in 2 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) PVC end caps that is wide enough for your rope.
• You could also cut a wooden dowel into similar lengths. Drill a hole that is wide enough for your rope through the center of the dowel.^[3]
• If you are making a jump rope for children, you will want the handle to be small and light enough for a child to hold easily.
• If you are making a jump rope as a piece of exercise equipment, you will get more benefit by using handles that have some more weight. This will challenge your arm muscles more when you exercise.

Consider adding beads. Jump rope beads serve several different purposes. They make the jump rope more visible, which is desirable for performances and safer for children. The beads also make a louder sound when they hit the ground, which helps some jump ropers to keep a good rhythm. Beads can also add a little weight to a rope which can alter the feel and performance. They also help to protect the rope.

Add some personal touches. You can paint the handles your favorite color. Adding some tassels to the ends of the handles can make the jump rope even more exciting for kids. You can even find beads with letters to personalize the rope.