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Learn to splice

Learn to splice
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Make a simple rope splice joining two polypropylene ropes using tape and scissors, following step by step instructions with adult supervision to learn secure joins.

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Step-by-step guide to make a simple rope splice

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Full Tutorial: Splice Video Editor App

What you need
Adult supervision required, marker, polypropylene rope, ruler, scissors, tape

Step 1

Lay the two ropes side by side and use the ruler and marker to mark 8 inches from each rope end.

Step 2

Wrap a tight band of tape around each rope at each marked spot to hold the standing part of the rope.

Step 3

Untwist the last 8 inches of Rope A so it separates into three individual strands; the rope is made of three twisted parts.

Step 4

Untwist the last 8 inches of Rope B so it separates into three individual strands.

Step 5

Wrap a small piece of tape around the tip of each separated strand to keep them tidy.

Step 6

Overlap the two ropes so the taped marks meet and the separated strands fan out opposite each other.

Step 7

Take the outermost strand from Rope A and tuck it under the nearest strand of Rope B about 1 inch in and pull it snug.

Step 8

Take the middle strand from Rope A and tuck it under the next strand of Rope B about 1 inch in and pull it snug.

Step 9

Take the last strand from Rope A and tuck it under the remaining strand of Rope B about 1 inch in and pull it snug.

Step 10

Take the outermost strand from Rope B and tuck it under the nearest strand of Rope A about 1 inch in and pull it snug.

Step 11

Take the middle strand from Rope B and tuck it under the next strand of Rope A about 1 inch in and pull it snug.

Step 12

Take the last strand from Rope B and tuck it under the remaining strand of Rope A about 1 inch in and pull it snug.

Step 13

Trim any long stray ends close to the rope with the scissors so the splice looks neat.

Step 14

Wrap tape around the finished splice to tidy and protect the tucked ends.

Step 15

Share a photo of your finished splice and what you learned on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a three-strand rope or a ruler?

If you can't find a three-strand rope, substitute with 3-strand cotton clothesline or make three paracord strands taped together and use a measuring tape or a printable 8-inch template to mark the 8-inch spots before following the untwist and tuck steps.

My tucks keep coming loose — how do I fix that?

If the tucked strands slip, rewrap the tape tightly at the 8-inch marks, tuck each strand 1.5–2 inches instead of 1 inch, and pull each tuck snug before trimming and wrapping the finished splice.

How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?

For younger kids have an adult pre-measure and pre-untwist the last 8 inches and let them perform the simple tucking steps with blunt scissors under supervision, while older kids can do the measuring, untwisting, precise tucks and neat trimming themselves and try longer tucks or omitting the final tape for a cleaner splice.

How can we make the finished splice stronger or more decorative?

To strengthen or personalize the finished splice, whip the tucked ends with colored twine or use heat-shrink tubing over the tucked area, then trim stray ends and wrap the finished splice with decorative or protective tape as described in the last step.

Watch videos on how to make a simple rope splice

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How to split videos online

4 Videos

Facts about ropework for kids

✂️ You don't need fancy gear: with scissors, tape and a little patience you can make a clean, strong splice at home.

⚓ Splicing is an age-old seamanship skill sailors used for centuries to make permanent, secure joins and rope eyes.

🪢 A properly made splice can retain about 90–95% of a rope's original strength, while many knots can reduce strength by up to half.

🧵 Beginners often use tape to hold strand ends steady before tucking them — tape and scissors are great starter tools.

🌊 Polypropylene is buoyant — it floats on water, which is why it's commonly used for marine ropes and rescue lines.

How do you make a simple splice joining two polypropylene ropes?

Start by overlapping the two polypropylene rope ends about 6 inches. Tape the overlapped section tightly so strands don’t fray. Trim the taped tips square with scissors. Untwist small sections of each rope and tuck strands into the opposite rope’s jacket, following a simple splice pattern (tuck, pull snug, repeat several times). Keep the splice tight, trim excess, and retape or carefully melt ends to finish—always with adult supervision.

What materials do I need to splice polypropylene rope using tape and scissors?

You’ll need two lengths of polypropylene rope, scissors, and tape (duct or electrical) to hold strands while tucking. A marker or chalk helps mark overlap points. Optional items: a ruler for consistent overlap, small pliers for pulling tucks tight, and a lighter or heat source to seal cut polypropylene ends—only for adults. Always choose ropes of the same diameter for a secure splice.

What ages is this rope splicing activity suitable for?

Suitable for children roughly 8 years and older with close adult supervision; younger children can watch and help with simple tasks like taping and marking. Ages 10–14 can practice hands-on with steady guidance, while teens 15+ may work more independently once shown correct technique. Assess each child’s fine motor skills, attention span, and safety awareness before letting them use scissors or heat tools.

What safety tips should I follow when teaching my child to splice ropes?

Safety first: always supervise when using scissors, tape, and especially any heat to seal polypropylene ends. Work on a clean, flat surface, and keep fingers clear when tucking strands. Use tape to prevent fraying during work. If melting ends, do this only outdoors or in a ventilated area and by an adult to avoid fumes and burns. Test the finished join under low load before trusting it for weight-bearing use.
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