How to Crochet a Butterfly

Crochet butterflies can be used for a variety of purposes, including appliques and similar decorations. There are different ways to crochet a butterfly, so you should choose one that matches the look you're interested in.

Steps

Method One: 3D Butterfly

1. Form a circle. Attach the yarn to your crochet hook using a slipknot, then make six chain stitches. Slip stitch the last stitch of your chain together with the first stitch of your chain to create a circle.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • If you do not know how to make a slipknot, chain stitch, and/or slip stitch, please see the "Tips" section of the article for instructions.
   
   
   
   


2. Double crochet into the round. Chain stitch three times, then work two double crochets into the center of the round. Chain once more before continuing onto the next step.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Note that the initial set of three chains counts as your first double crochet stitch. As such, when you are counting your stitches, you will count three double crochets instead of two.
   
   
   • If you do not know how to double crochet, check the "Tips" section for further information.
   
   
   
   


3. Double crochet seven more sets. Work three double crochets into the center of the round, followed by another one chain stitch. Repeat this pattern six more times.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • When done, you will have eight sets of three consecutive double crochets.
   
   
   
   


4. Close the round. Slip stitch into the third chain stitch of your previous chain-three set to finish off your first round.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Note that you will have eight spaces formed by each chain-one you worked into the previous round. These spaces will end up becoming the butterfly wings.
   
   
   
   


5. Advance to the second round. Work a slip stitch into the first chain-one space from the previous round, then chain two.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • This will count as the first double crochet of your next double crochet set.
   
   
   
   


6. Finish off the double crochet set. Work two double crochets into the same chain-one space used in the previous step. Chain one again, then make three more double crochets into the same space.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


7. Double crochet around the rest of your second round. Make a set of three double crochets, one chain, and three more double crochets into each of the remaining seven chain-one spaces. When done, slip stitch the last loop into the second chain of the chain-two you initially created for this round.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • You should be left with eight sets of six double crochets, each separated by a chain-one space.
   
   
   
   


8. Advance to the third round. Work a slip stitch into the first chain-one space of the previous round, then work two chain stitches.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • This steps also counts as the first double crochet of your next set.
   
   
   
   


9. Create the first double crochet set of this round. Work seven double crochets into the same chain-one space, then single crochet into the stitch lying between the two chain-one spaces.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • This single crochet will anchor the wing, keeping it rounded.
   
   
   • If you do not know how to single crochet, please see the "Tips" section for more information.
   
   
   
   


10. Work double crochets and single crochets until you reach the end of the round. Work eight double crochets into each chain-one space, and work one single crochet in between each double crochet set. When you reach the end of the round, slip stitch into the second chain of this round's initial chain-two.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    • You should have eight sets of eight double crochets in each chain-one space at the end of this round.
    
    
    
    


11. Tie off the yarn. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of at least 4 inches (10 cm). Pull this tail through the loop on your hook to knot off the yarn.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    


12. Fold the circle. Fold the circle in half, making sure that each ruffle from the top half lines up with a ruffle from the bottom half. Attach the tail of yarn to a crochet/darning needle, then sew up the center of this circle until you reach the inner circle lying at the fold.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    • When you start, the tail should be at the bottom.
    
    
    • Weave the tail through both layers of yarn through the center of the butterfly.
    
    
    • Tie a tight knot at the top to prevent the halves from coming apart.
    
    
    
    


13. Create two antennae. Work 25 chain stitches, then single crochet once into the second chain from the hook. Make one single crochet in each of the next four stitches, as well. Slip stitch into the next 14 stitches, and single crochet once into each of the last five stitches. Tie off the yarn.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    • The above step creates one antenna. Repeat this step again to create a second antenna.
    
    
    
    


14. Attach the antennae. Fold the antennae in half and position them on top of the butterfly. Sew the tail of both antennae into the center knot of your butterfly to secure the antennae in place.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    


15. Weave in the ends. Hide any remaining tails by weaving the yarn into the stitches of the inner wing.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    • This step completes the process.
    
    
    
    

Method Two: 2D Butterfly Outline^[1]

1. Form a starting ring. Attach the yarn to your crochet hook with a slipknot, then work four chain stitches. Slip stitch the first and last chains together to form a ring.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • If you need help forming slip knots, chain stitches, or slip stitches, please see the "Tips" section of this article.
   
   
   
   


2. Build up to a triple crochet. Work seven chain stitches from the loop on your hook, then make one triple crochet into the chain you just created.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Note that the triple crochet can also be referred to as a "treble crochet." See the "Tips" section for more information on making the triple crochet stitch.
   
   
   
   


3. Work the rest of the first wing. Chain two, then work in another triple crochet. Chain six more stitches, then slip stitch into the center of your starting ring.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


4. Tie off the yarn. Cut the yarn, leaving a 2-inch (5-cm) tail. Pull this tail through the loop on your hook to fasten off the yarn.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • This step completes the first wing. Your hook should no longer be attached to the work after you finish this step.
   
   
   • Weave the excess tail into the back of the wing or trim it down so that it is no longer visible from the front of the work.
   
   
   
   


5. Reattach the yarn. Attach the yarn to your crochet hook using a slipknot. Insert the hook into the center your starting ring, just above the point where the first wing ends, and chain stitch once over the top of the ring to secure the yarn in place.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


6. Make the first antenna. Chain stitch five times to form an antenna. Cut the yarn, leaving a 2-inch (5-cm) tail, and pull the tail through the loop on your hook to fasten it off.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Trim away the excess tail once you fasten off the yarn.
   
   
   
   


7. Repeat for a second antenna. Reattach the yarn directly next to the first antenna, then chain stitch five times before fastening off the yarn.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • As before, the yarn will no longer be attached to your crochet hook at the end of this step.
   
   
   
   


8. Attach the yarn to the ring again. slipknot the yarn onto your crochet hook, then insert the hook into the center of the ring, just past the second antenna. Chain stitch once over the ring to secure the yarn in place.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • This will be the starting point of your second wing, so the position of the reattached yarn should be fairly even with the top of your first wing.
   
   
   
   


9. Work the second wing. The second ring is simply the mirror of your first ring. Chain six, then work in a triple crochet. Follow this with two chain stitches and another triple crochet. Slip stitch into the center of the starting ring.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


10. Fasten off the yarn. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail measuring about 2 inches (5 cm) long. Pull this tail through the loop on your hook to fasten off the second wing.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    • The completion of this step marks the completion of the project.
    
    
    
    

Tips

• To make a slip knot:
  
  
  
  • Cross the attached end of the yarn over the loose end, creating a loop.
  
  
  • Push the attached side of the yarn into this loop from below, drawing up a second loop in the process.
  
  
  • Tighten the first loop around this second loop to secure it, them slide the second loop over the hook.
  
  
  • Tighten the second loop into the hook.
  
  
  
  


• To make a chain stitch:
  
  
  
  • Wrap the attached side of the yarn around the hook, positioning it above the loop already on the hook.
  
  
  • Pull this yarn over through the loop on your hook. This completes the stitch.
  
  
  
  


• To make a slip stitch:
  
  
  
  • Insert the hook through the indicated stitch.
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook once.
  
  
  • Pull this yarn-over through the all loops on your hook, completing the stitch.
  
  
  
  


• To make a single crochet:
  
  
  
  • Insert the hook into the next stitch.
  
  
  • Catch the yarn with your hook from the back, then pull it through to the front of the stitch. There should be two loops on your hook at this point.
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook once.
  
  
  • Pull the yarn-over through both loops on your hook. This move completes the stitch.
  
  
  
  


• To make a double crochet:
  
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook.
  
  
  • Insert the hook into the next stitch.
  
  
  • Catch the yarn with the hook from the back, then pull it back through to the front of the stitch. You should have three loops on your hook at this point.
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook again, then draw this yarn-over through the first two loops on your hook.
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook once more, and draw it through the last two loops on the hook. This completes the stitch.
  
  
  
  


• To make a triple crochet:
  
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook twice.
  
  
  • Insert your hook into the fifth stitch away from your hook.
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook once, then pull it through one of the loops on your hook.
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook once more, then pull it through two of the loops on your hook.
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook again, and pull it through another two loops on your hook.
  
  
  • Wrap the yarn over the hook one more time, then draw it through the last two loops on your hook. This completes the stitch.
  
  
  
  

Things You'll Need

Method One: 3D Butterfly

• Yarn, medium weight


• Crochet hook, size J


• Tapestry needle


• Scissors

Method Three: Butterfly Outline

• Yarn, worsted weight


• Crochet hook, size H


• Scissors

Sources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1A9gPqs

How to Delete Pictures on an iPad

Do you have too many photos clogging up your iPad's storage space? Cleaning out your old photos can free up a lot of room, but the process can be a little confusing, especially if the photos were synced from your computer. See Step 1 below to learn how to delete any photo off of your iPad.

Steps

Camera or Downloaded Photos

1. Open the Photos app. There are essentially two different types of photos on your iPad: those that you added directly to the iPad, either by downloading them or by using the camera or screenshot function, or those added from your computer using iTunes. To delete photos added through iTunes, see the next section.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


2. Find the photos you want to delete. When you start up the Photos app, you will be shown a list of your albums. Open the album that contains the image(s) you want to delete. You can only delete images from within a single album at a time.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • You can also select photos from the Collections or Moments pages.
   
   
   • If you delete images from the My Photo Stream album, they will be deleted across all of your devices. Photos on your Camera Roll will be removed from your device only.
   
   
   
   


3. Delete a single image. To delete a single image, tap it to open it, and then tap the Trashcan icon in the lower-right corner. Tap the "Delete Photo" button that appears to confirm that you want to delete the image.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Deleting an image is permanent, and it is not especially easy to recover a photo after it has been deleted. See this guide for details on how to recover any photos that you accidentally deleted.
   
   
   
   


4. Delete multiple images. You can delete multiple images from an album at once by selecting them all before deleting. To select multiple images, open the album you want and then tap the Select button in the upper-right corner. You can then tap each picture you want to delete to add it to the selection.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Once you have all the pictures you want to delete selected, tap the Trashcan icon in the upper-left corner, and then tap the "Delete (#) Photos" button to confirm.
   
   
   
   


5. Delete an album. You can delete any albums that you have created on your iPad. Deleting an album will not delete any of the images in it. You cannot delete albums that were synced from your computer (see the next section).
   
   
   
   • To delete an album, open the Albums page in the Photos app. Tap "Edit" in the upper-right corner, and then tap the "X" button in the corner of the album you want to delete. Images will be returned to their original location (Camera Roll, My Photo Stream, etc.).
   
   
   
   

Photos from iTunes

1. Connect your iPad to your computer. Photos that have synced from your computer need to be unsynced in order to delete them. If you try to delete these photos directly from your iPad, the Delete option will not be available.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


2. Open iTunes. You will need to manage your synced albums in order to delete the photos from your iPad. Select your iPad from the Devices menu.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


3. Click the Photos tab. You will see a list of albums that have been synced to your iPad. You can only sync and unsync full albums.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


4. Uncheck the albums you don't want anymore. Scroll through the list of synced albums and uncheck any that you don't want appearing on your iPad.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • If you want to remove individual images, you will need to remove them from the album on the computer.
   
   
   
   


5. Sync the iPad. Once you have made your adjustments to your selected photos, click the Sync button. iTunes will resync your photo albums, removing the ones you unchecked from your iPad's storage.^[1]
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Video

Tips

• Deleting an album will not delete the photos within it. They will remain in your iPad's photo library until you delete them.


• You don't have to open an album to view its contents. You can get a sneak peek by placing two fingers on the album and slowly moving them apart to view the photos within.


• If you delete photos from your library that are also used in an album, you will be given the option to delete the photos everywhere, rather than simply deleting photos from the album.

Warnings

• Deleting a photo from your Photo Stream will also remove it from the Photo Stream on other devices such as an iPhone or Mac.

Related wikiHows

• How to Delete All Photos from an iPhone


• How to Delete Apps on an iPad


• How to Remove Red Eye from Photos With the iPad Photo App


• How to Delete Pictures from Digital Camera


• How to Rearrange Photos in an iPad Photo Album

Sources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1LmbyT8

How to Dye Jeans Black

A comfortable pair of jeans is a terrible thing to waste. If you have a pair that has lost its luster, one of the best ways to renew denim is to change the color. You can dye light or dark wash denim to black using supermarket dye and a boiling water.

Steps

Prepping the Jeans

1. Remove the tags. If you like the brand tag on the jeans and don’t want it dyed as well, you should use a seam ripper to rip up the tag, remove it, and then sew it down later. The bleach and dye will change the color and look of the tag.^[1]
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


2. Bleach the jeans if they are a different color other than blue. Fill a bucket with half bleach and half water and place it in a well-ventilated area. Use a less-concentrated bleach solution if the jeans are very light.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Remember that the larger the ratio of bleach, the more destructive it will be to your denim.
   
   
   • Place the jeans inside the bleach mixture and leave it for one to two hours. Stir them around every 20 minutes, as the bleach makes them lighter than lighter.
   
   
   • They don’t need to be perfectly white. They can be a yellowish color, and the black dye will still work well.
   
   
   • Always use large rubber gloves when working with bleach or dye.
   
   
   • Rinse the jeans thoroughly in cold water or put them through a rinse cycle in your washing machine.^[2]
   
   
   
   


3. Set up a dying station. Bleaching is best done outside, but dying should be done in a place with a water source and oven nearby. Choose the kitchen or a bathroom and remove all textiles before you begin.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


4. Lay down newspapers in any place between your kitchen, bathroom and washing machine area. Find a large bucket or box to transport the wet jeans without dripping.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Prepping the Dye

1. Purchase an eight oz. (237ml) bottle of liquid Rit dye in black. Rit dye is affordable and fairly easy to use, since it comes pre-mixed with setting agents. Read the instructions carefully.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


2. Fill a large stockpot three-fourths full of water. Set it on the stove and bring it to a boil.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


3. Place a large bucket in your dying area. Make sure that you can transport it to your washing machine fairly easily without slopping. Grab a metal spoon that you no longer use for food or a wooden paint stir stick.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


4. Wet your jeans thoroughly in cool water while the water boils on the stove. Set them near the bucket.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


5. Pour the boiling water into the bucket, making sure it is no more than three-fourths full. Be very careful when pouring hot water. Try to stay back and siphon it slowly.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


6. Add your entire eight oz. (237ml) bottle of dye. Mix it well with your spoon or stir stick.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Dying Your Jeans

1. Add your jeans to the water. Use the stir stick to submerge them entirely. Stir them for 10 minutes.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


2. Set your kitchen or phone timer to go off every five to 10 minutes. Stir the jeans every five to 10 minutes in a circular motion to ensure an even dye job.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


3. Leave them in the hot water for one hour, stirring at regular intervals.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


4. Dump the water out into a sink or shower. Choose a stainless steel sink if possible. Try not to get any dye onto your grout.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


5. Squeeze the jeans out and rinse them off with cold water. Carry them to your washing machine. Watch out for drips from the soaked jeans.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


6. Run the jeans in a rinse and spin cycle on cold. Do this twice. Then, wash them on cold with mild laundry detergent.^[3]
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • If you don’t have a rinse and spin cycle, rinse them thoroughly with cold water in your shower or utility sink before washing.
   
   
   • Turn them inside out to preserve more dye.
   
   
   
   


7. Air dry the jeans the first few times. Dryers will fade the dye faster over time.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Warnings

• Be careful when wearing newly dyed jeans. They can rub off on light upholstery, even after the dye is set.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach (optional)


• Denim jeans


• Bucket


• Stockpot


• Water


• Kettle


• Black Rit liquid dye


• Paint stirrer or large metal spoon


• Washing machine


• Rubber gloves

Sources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1MGQSIO

How to Overcome Your Fear of Roller Coasters

Fear of roller coasters usually comes down to one of three things: fear of heights, of being in an accident, and the fear of being enclosed in restraints. With the right approach, though, you can learn to control these fears and start enjoying the rides for the exciting and safe thrill they offer. In the late 90's, a Harvard Medical School professor was hired by a theme park to develop a cure for "coaster-phobia," discovering various techniques that were useful in controlling stress levels and making the coasters seem more manageable.^[1] You can learn to build your confidence, get on your first coaster, and control your emotions along the way. You might even have fun. See Step 1 for more information.

Steps

Building Your Confidence

1. Learn what to expect. It's a good idea to learn a little about roller coasters before you ride your first ones. Specific parks will usually rank the roller coasters on intensity, so you can learn more about the particular roller coasters you're going to visit when you get there and get the park map, or you can check out the specific coasters online.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Wooden roller coasters are the oldest and most classic coasters. Usually operated on chain-lifts, they'll go very fast, but never go upside down or in complicated loops, for the most part. Steel-track roller coasters are much more complex, featuring lots of twists and turns, often upside down. But some steel coasters are good because they will have more turns and not as many drops. They will also be less rickety them wooden and more smooth.
   
   
   • If you're scared of the big drops, look for a roller coaster with a curved drop instead of a straight drop, so you'll get a gradual ride and won't feel as if you're plunging. You can also choose a launched ride, which accelerates you at high speeds instead of dropping you off of a large hill, though these are just as intense in some cases. It may seem silly, but most kid rides allow anyone to ride, and can be a great start.
   
   
   • Try not to find out specific things like how tall the coaster is, how fast it goes, and other specific "scary" numbers. It is a good idea, though, to check out the twists and turns so you can brace your body and know what to expect from the ride and avoid rides that do stuff you're intimidated by. Find these things out after you ride so you can tell others and be proud of yourself.
   
   
   
   


2. Talk to other people about their experiences. Millions of people ride roller coasters every year and have a blast doing it. There's little to fear from the roller coaster, and lots of fun to be had. Talking about it with enthusiasts is a great way to get interested and excited in roller coasters for yourself. Also talk to people who were scared but now love them as it will help you see what you should ride.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Talk to family and friends, as well as park employees at the gate who enjoy roller coasters. Ask them what rides at the park are the smoothest or the tamest, and which ones to avoid. Another good idea is to ask people what their first roller coaster experience was. You can get a good idea of what to avoid on your first ride.
   
   
   • Read online about the good coasters at the park you're going to visit. Try to watch youtube videos on anything you think you may go on to see if they seem tame enough for you.
   
   
   
   


3. Understand that roller coasters are supposed to be scary. If you're feeling scared by the idea of a 12-story drop going , that's perfectly normal. That means the theme park is doing its job! Roller coasters are made to be scary to give riders fun thrills and chills, but they aren't actually dangerous as long as you follow the safety precautions and listen to instructions. A coaster is thoroughly tested before being cleared for public use, and all the rides receive regular maintenance to keep them in top working order. You needn't fear malfunction at professional parks.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Some injuries are reported each year from riding a roller coaster, but the vast majority of those injuries are the result of rider error and rule-breaking. If you listen to instructions and stay seated, you'll be fine. Statistically-speaking, you've run a greater risk of injury by driving to the theme park than riding the roller coaster.^[2] The chance of fatal injury on a roller coaster is 1 in 1.5 billion.^[3]
   
   
   
   


4. Go with friends. Riding roller coasters should be fun, and it'll always be a lot easier with friends to cheer you on, scream together, and support each other through it. Some people find it more comfortable with a person who is also scared so you both can scream your guts out, and you won't feel left out. Others like going with someone who has already been on the coaster, and could reassure you'll be okay.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Don't go with people who will push you to do things you don't want to do. When you find your limit, don't ride anything bigger unless you are ready to push your limits. It doesn't matter what everyone thinks of you if you've found your comfort zone and want to stay in it. Don't let anybody try to push you around or pressure you into riding rides you aren't comfortable with yet.
   
   
   
   


5. Look at your watch. The average roller coaster is usually shorter than a television commercial. In some cases, you'll wait in line for 2,000% more time than you'll be on the ride. The drops, although very big, will be over in the time it takes you to take a breath. Try and remember that the whole thing, for better or worse, will be over extremely quickly. The wait is the big source of fear and anticipation, and the ride is the fun part.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


6. Read the regulations and restrictions before getting in line. Before you wait in line, make sure you meet the height requirements listed at the start of the ride and that you're not physically unfit to ride. Typically, people with heart disorders, people who are pregnant, and people with other physical disabilities are not permitted to ride roller coasters.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Riding Your First Coaster

1. Start small. It's probably not a good idea to jump straight onto the Death Drop 2000 or the Vortex. Older wooden coasters with small-medium drops and no loops are usually a good bet for first-timers and those who want to try out coasters without getting scared. Spend time looking around the park, checking out a couple of roller coasters to find the less-scary ones.^[4]
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Ride some other exciting rides first to get your adrenaline up and to get used to the sensations. While roller coasters might seem like a big deal, they're not usually much more scary than other types of rides. If you can handle the Scrambler, you've got a roller coaster on lockdown.
   
   
   
   


2. Don't watch. As you're walking around the park, as you're waiting in line, as you're getting ready to get on, try and resist the urge to look up at the big drop or the scariest part of the ride. Focus on talking to your friends and distracting yourself from what's about to happen. There's no sense in getting worked up looking at the big drops now when you're on the ground. Think about other things and keep your mind off it.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • When you're waiting in line, focus on looking at all the people getting off the ride at the end, not on the scary drops and loops. They all look, probably, like they had a blast, and they all came out just fine. So will you.
   
   
   
   


3. Sit somewhere in the middle. If it is your first time on a pretty scary one, the best place to sit is in the middle, so you can focus on the back of the seat in front of you and don't have to worry too much about what's coming, but you can still see if you want to. The middle offers the gentlest place in the ride.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Alternatively, you might want to sit in the front so you can see, if it makes you feel better. Not knowing what's coming is scarier for some people.
   
   
   • Don't sit in the back-most seats, which exert stronger g-forces during the sharp turns and the drops. The ride feels more intense when you're sitting near the back of the cars.
   
   
   
   


4. Follow the instructions of the park employees and the ride guidelines. As you approach your seat and sit down in the car, listen closely to verbal instructions and follow directions from the employees. Different roller coasters use different types of safety harnesses, so you'll have to listen closely to make sure you get into them correctly.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • When you sit in your seat, make sure it feels comfortable and that the safety harness comes down across your lap snugly. If you can't reach it, or if the harness is especially complicated, wait for the park helper's instructions. If you lock it in yourself, they'll still come around and check to make sure everything is solid.
   
   
   • When you've got your harness on, sit back and relax. Stow any glasses, or loose jewelry that you might have on in your pockets, and take some deep breaths. You'll be fine!
   
   
   
   

Getting Through It

1. Look straight ahead. Keep your head secure and back against the seat rest in your chair, and try and focus on the track in front of you, or the back of the seat front in front of you. Don't look down or focus on things to the side, which can emphasize the speed at which you're traveling and increase any feelings of disorientation and nausea. Don't look down, in other words.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • This is especially helpful if you're going on a loop. Look straight ahead and focus on the track and you'll only feel a slight feeling of weightlessness that should actually be pretty pleasant and should pass in a moment or two.
   
   
   • Resist the urge to close your eyes. Inexperienced riders often think that closing your eyes will help make it less scary and that you'll feel better, but closing your eyes will lead to feelings of disorientation and can make you feel nauseated. Focus on something stationary and don't close your eyes.
   
   
   
   


2. Breathe deeply. Don't hold your breath on roller coasters or you might become light-headed and everything will be worse. As you're nearing the big drop, take deep breaths and try and focus on your breathing instead of other things. This can help to center you and calm you down, focusing on a little thing. Just breathe in and breathe out. It'll be fun.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • To help you focus, count your breaths as you take them. Breathe in deeply for a count for four, then tense your muscles for a count of three, then blow your breath out for a count of four. Continue cycling in this way to calm your nerves.
   
   
   
   


3. Flex your stomach and your arm muscles. At some point in the ride, you'll start to feel some butterflies, probably sooner rather than later. That's part of the fun of the roller coaster, but it can be a little overwhelming for some people. To ease it slightly, you can tense up your stomach muscles and your arms by grasping the hand-holds provided for you on the harness and the chair, to try and keep calm.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • On a roller coaster, adrenaline will be released in large amounts, triggering your fight or flight impulses. Your blood pressure will rise, you'll sweat some, and your breathing will quicken. Your vision should also sharpen and you'll be ready for action. You can alleviate this slightly by tensing your muscles, communicating to your body that it can chill out a little.
   
   
   
   


4. Ignore the spooky decorations. Lots of rides will up the scare-factor by including all sorts of scary paint and dark lights and little animatronic animals or goblins along the side of the ride to scare you. If you're mostly scared of the physical sensations, these can serve to totally throw you off and make the whole thing a lot worse, so you're better off ignoring them as much as possible. If things are shooting off or moving, just stare straight ahead and don't worry about it. Keep breathing.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Alternatively, some rides with a story-line can help to distract you. If you get caught up in it, just stay focused on the fun of the story and stop worrying about the ride being scary.
   
   
   
   


5. Yell loud! You definitely won't be the only one, and the train is usually noisy anyways with people cracking jokes and yelling back and forth. Instead of just being quiet with fear, screaming can actually make the ride more fun. Also you can also mix your screaming with some "Woo hoos". Screaming can take away the scariness and make you want to laugh.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


6. Use your imagination to your advantage. If you're still freaking out, try and use your mind to go elsewhere. Imagine that you're flying somewhere on a ship, or that you're being whisked away to Batman's lair, or that you're the one doing the driving. Anything to take your mind momentarily off the dips and the drops can help to distract you from what's happening and make the whole thing go faster.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Get pumped up and be a beast. Pretend that you're an unleashed kraken or some kind of dragon on the high rides. If you have the feeling of power, you will feel less tension and your mind will think of something else.
   
   
   • Some riders like to have a mantra, or a little bit of a song that they use to chant during the ride. Keep the melody to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" or "Poker Face" in mind and just focus on the words instead of how you're feeling. Or just recite something simple, like, "I'm gonna be fine, I'm gonna be fine."
   
   
   
   


7. Always use your own judgment. If a ride doesn't seem safe to you, or if the employees seem unconcerned about safety, or if you've heard about previous incidents or safety concerns, don't ride that roller coaster, especially if it's going to fill you with anxiety. Most rides at large parks are expensive pieces of machinery that are well maintained and tested regularly.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • A roller coaster's track is typically inspected each day before the ride is run for the first time, and will be closed down if a problem is detected.^[5] If a ride has been closed frequently over the past couple of weeks, it might be best to avoid it. The chances of an undetected problem are slight, but it might make you feel better to skip the ride.
   
   
   
   

Tips

• When choosing a seat on the coaster for the first time, pick the middle of the coaster. The forward seats have the view that you might not be ready for; the rear seats get the upward "kick" from the coaster as it passes over the top of a hill.


• Once you have been on the roller coaster, it will give you an amazing rush and you will want to do it again.


• Relax when you hear the clicking of the roller coaster. Your muscles tend to get tense, you begin to get anxiety. But what your body is not telling you, is it's only a few seconds, maybe a minute. You live 24 hours a day, a roller coaster takes a short time and you are bound to enjoy the ride. Another tip is to sing a song in your head that soothes you.


• Screaming. It will help you a lot. Scream as much as the person next to you. Think of it as a game. That way you can keep your mind off of things.


• Speaking of happy, while you are on the ride, after every drop, especially if it was really hard for you to handle just laugh. Even if you have nothing to laugh at and you look like an idiot, who cares? You will probably never see these people again anyways. Laughing releases tension! It's like replacing the fear in your body with happiness. Smiling is good too.


• If all the people in front of you went on the ride and came off the same, so will you.


• Sometimes, all you truly have to do is jump into it. Roller coasters are just controlled fear!


• When you are in line make sure your friends/family talk to you about something you like or interest you in any type of way it will make you less worried about the ride even though it may seem like you are going to pee your pants and bail out.


• If your biggest problem is a fear of heights, look for launched roller coasters. These are just as intense and fun as the tall ones, but they use launching mechanisms to get them going. The scary slow ride to the top is gone, but the fun speed, hills, and turns are still there!


• If you need to bring something that will help like a little stuffed animal or a picture that will fit in your pocket. Bring a stress ball to release tension while standing in line.


• If carrying the children, take extra precaution about their safety.


• Choose a roller coaster that is neither too intimidating, nor too trivial. You want the feeling of an accomplishment. Pick something that is in the middle of the bunch.


• While going down a drop, take a deep breath, hold it, and crunch your stomach tightly - it will lessen your butterflies.


• Anticipate it! Try thinking about how fun it'll be just cutting through the air on the coaster! And remind yourself that you won't die.


• Projectile vomit doesn't really exist. And if it does, it won't hurt much.


• If you have a light stomach (get butterflies easily) don't go on the "big drop roller coasters".


• If it's your first time, try not to look down,do the loops or get upset because you will come to regret it later because you didn't try anything new.


• If you are afraid of heights, but still want the experience, go for the inside roller coasters, as they have twists, drops, and loops. They also prompt you for other rides.

Warnings

• If you have a younger and smaller person riding along with you, make sure that they're the height they need to be even though they get checked on the way in.


• Make sure you do read all cautions and warnings before attempting to ride.

Related wikiHows

• How to Enjoy a Theme Park


• How to Overcome Your Fear of Roller Coasters


• How to Draw a Roller Coaster


• How to Have the Best Day of Your Life


• How to Ride a Rollercoaster at Cedar Point


• How to Overcome a Fear of Scary Rides


• How to Be Brave on Your First Big Roller Coaster

Sources and Citations

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