Rav Schachter Method:

The Gemara states that a Chulya is comprised of 3 twists. It then goes on to say “not less than 7 and not more than 13.” It is unclear if this statement refers to the number of Chulyot, or if it arguing with the previous assertion – namely that a Chulya should be between 7 and 13 twists instead of 3. Rav Schachter takes the stringent position to accommodate both options, having 7 Chulyot, of 7 twists each.

Notes:

1. A “Single Knot” is made by taking the four strands from one side of the garment and the opposing four strands from the other side of the garment and tying a simple knot.
2. The first “Chulya” is made by taking one white strand from the total of eight strands and wrapping it around the remaining seven strands three times; and then taking one blue strand from the total of eight strands and wrapping it around the remaining seven strands four times. These “wrapping” strands are designated “Shamashim” and due to the fact that there are so many tekhelet wraps (47 in total), a second long blue string is supplied as another shamash. Thus one should use one blue shamash for the first 4 chulyot and the other blue shamash for the last three chulyot.
3. A blue “Chulya” is made by taking a blue shamash and wrapping it around the remaining seven strands seven times.
4. The Last “Chulya” is made by taking a blue “shamash” and wrapping it around the seven remaining strands four times; and then taking the white “shamash” and wrapping it around the seven remaining strands three times.
5. Shown here are a total of 7 chulyot; one can make up to 13. However one should insure that the wound & knotted section is approximately one-third of the total length of the hanging strings (from first knot to strings end).
6. As the last knot is being tied, be sure to separate the 4 white strings to one side, and the 4 blue to the other.