Instructions for Making Sacrifice Beads / Good Deed Beads
St. Thérèse, the Little Flower, as a child, used a small string of beads in her pocket to help count the gifts she offered to God. Through this, she advanced in daily perfection. You too can grow in holiness by following her example.
Sacrifice Beads, or Good Deed Beads, consist of a string of ten beads that can be pulled and stay in place. They are used to count the acts of love or sacrifices made each day for God. This string helps a person grow in virtue by encouraging faithful acts of love daily. Sacrifice Beads also include a fixed Our Father bead at the end and can double as a rosary.
How to Make Sacrifice Beads / Good Deed Beads
Supplies Needed
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25″ (64 cm) piece of cord (#9 twine)
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11 beads (pony or wooden)
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1 Miraculous Medal
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1 Crucifix, Cross, or Saint Medal
Step 1:
Put the Miraculous Medal or the medal you want to use at the bottom of the beads on the string. Pull it to the middle.
Step 2:
Take your first bead and pull the cord through it. Pull both ends of the cord in opposite directions until the bead is tight against the medal. Then tug at the cords until they are equal length when placed side by side.
Step 3:
Take the other end of the cord and pull it back through the same bead, but on the opposite side, so the string forms an X inside the bead.
Step 4:
Pick up the next bead and again form an X with the string through it. Pull both cords in opposite directions until the beads are tight against each other. Repeat until you have 10 beads in total.
Step 5:
Leave about the length of 3 beads and tie a double knot or a corded rosary knot. (The corded rosary knot is best. See instructions below.)
Step 6:
Take your last bead (the Our Father bead) and string both pieces of cord through the same side of the bead. Tie a knot.
Step 7:
Take your Cross, Crucifix, or Medal and string both pieces of cord through the same side. Tie a knot. If possible, tie a double knot so it rests against the knot from Step 6. This keeps the cross or medal more secure.
Step 8:
Burn or melt the extra cord off. (Do not cut it, as this will cause fraying. Adult supervision required.)
How to Make a Corded Rosary Knot (For Step 5)
Step A:
Leave about the length of 3 beads for the knot.
Step B:
Fold the cord over your index finger and wrap it around to form an X.
Step C:
Wrap the cord twice more around your finger, making a total of three loops, moving toward the palm.
Step D:
Slide the coils off your finger carefully, keeping their shape.
Step E:
Pull the end of the cord through the coils from back to front. Slowly tighten the knot by pulling the right side and holding the coils steady with your left hand. Keep the coils orderly and don’t let them slip or tangle. Once the knot is positioned correctly, pull tight.
