Have you always wondered how illusionists of the caliber of David Blaine make objects float? It is called the “invisible thread technique”. Usually you buy it, but in a few simple steps you can create it yourself!
Steps
Step 1. Retrieve a black shirt
Better if it's an old shirt, even if it's not essential. This is probably the simplest step.
Step 2. Where is the thread?
Turn the shirt on the outside and look at the base or sleeves - you should see a black thread intertwined to hold the two ends together. This is the real "black gold".
Step 3. Remove the wire
The best way to do this is with a small knife and a magnifying glass, better one of those that support themselves, otherwise, if you have good eyesight, you can only use the small knife. If you look closely at the seam you will notice two horizontal bands connected by a zigzag segment. Very carefully cut one of the horizontal bands and then cut the zigzag segment near the first cut you made. Then pull the zigzag segment until the thread is taut. Be especially careful in the next step. Look carefully and cut the thread that holds the cut part in place. There should only be a thread holding it in place. Repeat until you get the desired length.
Step 4. What is this?
It is certainly not invisible. What you have at the moment is not invisible, if you hadn't already guessed it. But here's the trick: Take a close look at the end of the string you removed and isolate a single thin wire between the ones that make up the string. Pull until you see a ball of curled yarn where the yarn separates from the others. Very gently, run your fingers from the ball of threads until you reach the other end. Being gentle is essential because otherwise, if you pull too hard, the thread could break. It may even feel like nothing is moving, but this step is extremely important for removing the wire. Continue with this technique until you have removed a single strand. It should only be visible if you look closely at it on a white surface.
Step 5. Where to place it without losing it?
Before you lay the wire down, apply a piece of scotch tape to each of the two ends. Try to take as little thread as possible with tape. Fold the piece of tape over so that the two edges with the glue are in contact.
Step 6. That's it
Practice makes perfect. What remains to be done is to learn the tricks. Before trying any, test your entertainment skills in the mirror by sticking one of the two pieces of tape behind your ear and holding the other in your hand. Then slowly drop your hand as you raise your head slightly, causing the effect of a floating piece of scotch tape. The most important part is how you pick up the piece of scotch tape!
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Here's another easy method: take any old shoelace and cut off the end. Pull on the thinnest thread you find as indicated in method 1. Keep separating the threads until you find one that is so thin that it is hardly visible. Good fun!
Make Invisible Thread Step 6Bullet1
Advice
- Practice makes perfect! It can take several tries before you can create your first invisible thread.
- Never take your eyes off the wire, you may not find it.
- Tweezers can be useful for holding the thread. Instead, they are essential to thread the thread in some tricks.
- Try to keep a crowd's attention on a levitating object. Check out YouTube videos of people levitating objects to get an idea of how to create your own style.
