Instructions for Creating a Simple Labyrinth

 

Here is a diagram for a simple “Seven Circuit” Labyrinth. We have made this design inside on floors using colored tape or colored line. I prefer using bright colored plastic surveyors ribbon and taping it down with masking tape every few feet. Total cost is about $ 10.  Other useful items: measuring tape, rope (clothesline), marker, knee pads (!), nice music.

 

 

 

Part I – Measuring and Marking the Radius Rope

 

My method of constructing a tape labyrinth is to select the exact Center of the space to be filled, and fix (tape) one end of a clothesline to that point. I then decide on the size of the inner circle, say 3 feet in radius, and put a mark in the rope at that point (either using tape, a marker, or by tying a know in the rope at that point.

 

All other circles depend on the Center-point and the first Center. I usually continue putting 8 more marks on the rope, out from the first mark, usually 12 inches or 18 inches (or 36 inches for a large space and wheel chair access) apart. It is important to keep the spacing consistent here: each marks the same number of inches from the last.

 

It is also good to anticipate at this point where the opening or starting point for getting into the labyrinth will be.

 

 

Part II – Laying Down the Concentric Circles

 

Once the rope is marked off, we start creating the concentric circles by putting down the tape. We use the rope attached at the Center-point as a giant compass. This part is easiest with four or more people (solo it can take several hours). There are two basic methods, either make complete circles, with the expectation that parts will be removed when it comes time to determine the structure for the opening, or, anticipate the opening, and only make partial circles.

 

 

Part III – Marking out the Opening

 

This is the most difficult part, and usually requires some careful attention to the details of the diagram. A mistake will lead to an early dead-end. Luckily mistakes in tape are easy to correct.

 

 

Alternative Mediums

 

My definite prefer is an outdoor labyrinth mowed into a lawn. The principles are the same as detailed above, with two differences: while the tape makes a dividing line between the paths of only one inch, I usually use a spacing for the “lines” that is identical to the width of the lawn mower’s blade. If the pathway is 18” wide, the dividing lines between the circles will also be 18”.

 

We also construct it a bit differently. Rather than lying down several circles at the same time, since we only have one lawnmower, we make then one at a time, starting with the inner most, and working our way out. If the inner circle is a good shape, it is fairly easy to ‘eye-ball’ the circle leading out from it so that each circle shape depends on the previous one (rather than using the radius rope as a compass). This can be easier in some ways, though mistakes are less forgiving as it may take a while for a section mowed by mistake to grow back. Again, the hardest part is getting the details of the opening correct.

 

After having mowed our backyard labyrinth every other week for the past several years, I can now mow one in a new location without the diagram or much measuring since the turns become second nature. But the diagram definitely helps if I’ve gotten confused!

 

I hope this info helps!

 

Don’t hesitate to write if anything seems confusing. I would also be happy to come to your location and help with the project.

 

I’ve included below a few other designs, all more complicated and requiring larger space.