There are 14 snake species native to Massachusetts, four of these species are endangered. Only two species are venomous, and both are extremely rare. While some people find snakes unsettling, it is good to remember they don’t want to hurt you! Treat snakes with respect and, like other wildlife, observe them from a distance if you see any in nature. Snakes move by slithering their bodies — some over land and some in water. Like other reptiles, they love to bask in the sun and they stay hidden away when it’s too cold. This activity will show you how to finger knit a snake of your own.
Supplies
- Yarn or string
- Scissors
- Two "eyes," buttons, googly eyes, beads, etc.
- Red string for tongue
Instructions
Step 1: Take the end of your yarn and tie a slip knot. To do this create a loop and pull the side of the yarn still attached to the ball through it, allowing the loop to tighten down onto your yarn. This should create a new loop that can be loosened and tightened. Slide this loop onto the pointer finger of your nondominant hand. Always use the side of the yarn attached to the ball, this is the “working” end.
Step 2: Create a new loop in the yarn by placing the working end over itself and slipping it over your next finger, you can include your pinky (or not) for this step.
Step 3: To knit, weave the working end of your yarn over and under each finger from your pinky and back. Lift the starting loops over the new loops and off of your fingers, leaving the second loops behind.
Step 4: When you decide your snake is long enough, place one loop over the next and knit them together, like before, around the circle until there is one loop left. Cut a yarn tail to tie through the loop and then weave the end into your knitting.
Step 5: Glue, tie, or sew on your snake’s eyes. Tie the red string to one end of the snake to make its tongue.
To watch this process visit youtube.com/PeabodyEssexMuseum
Show Us!
We want to see your knitted snake. Share your photos online using #PEMpod or #peabodyessex