DIY Network

Jazzy Jump Rope String up this double-Dutch delight. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-501

Keep things hopping with this easy jump rope!

Jump ropes aren't just for kids – especially when they're this cool. Michele Beschen shows how to B. Original and make a custom jump rope sheathed in vinyl tubing.

It's easy to find a cheap jump rope at the toy store, but it can be tough to find one that has the right swing and weight. The segments of vinyl tubing in Michele Beschen's design keep the rope from getting floppy or catching on a rough pavement. And, of course, it looks great.

Scroll down for this easy B. Original how-to, and get ready to craft your own cardio workout.

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Jazzy Jump Rope

Materials:

reinforced vinyl tubing
nylon rope
2 plastic fish floats
4 nylon washers
tubing cutter

Note: A tubing cutter lets you fly through this project in no time. They’re inexpensive and can be found in the plumbing department of hardware and home improvement stores. Using a box cutter or utility knife for the cuts will tend to mash the tubing.

Figure A

• Select at least two sizes of reinforced vinyl tubing or hose. Michele Beschen chose one with a 1/2" interior diameter and one with a 3/8" interior diameter. Use as many types and colors of tubing as you like; you can even use clear tubing to let the rope show through.

• To save time, make a measuring jig for the tubing. Simply mark the length of the cut tubes on an old piece of wood and use this wood as a cutting guide (figure A). Michele Beschen cut one tube into 1" pieces and the other into 1/2" pieces. Try to keep the pieces no more than 1" long – the pieces will coil up if they are much longer.

• Determine the length of your jump rope. The length depends on the height of the person using the rope; here are some standard lengths for different heights:
  Up to 4’ 10" tall — 7 feet long
  4’11" to 5’3" tall — 8 feet long
  5’4" to 5’11" tall — 9 feet long
  5’11" to 6’6" tall — 10 feet long
  
  

  
  

  Figure B

• Cut enough pieces of tubing for the desired jump rope length (figure B). Michele Beschen made an 8’ jump rope, using about 60 pieces of each type of tubing.

  Safety Alert: Be extremely careful around the sharp blade of the tube cutter and keep it away from children.

• Cut a piece of nylon rope about 1’ longer than the desired jump rope length. Use a match or lighter to melt the ends of the rope to prevent fraying.

• Use plastic fish floats as your handles. These are sold in stores that carry fishing supplies.

• Thread the rope through a nylon washer, a fish float and another washer. Tie a knot in the end of the rope to keep it from pulling back through the washers and fish float.
  
  
• Thread the tubing pieces on the rope, alternating the different types of tubing (figure C). Leave enough excess rope at the end to attach the other handle.
  

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Place a nylon washer on the rope after the last piece of tubing, then thread the rope through the other fish float and another washer (figure D). Secure with a knot.

• Decorate the handles with plastic paints, or use beads to give a better grip.