A self-play cat's cradle toy temporarily holds a string loop configuration
while a user frees her hands in order to retrieve the string loop and
advance it through successive string loop configurations. The toy
comprises a base, first and second arms, digits supported by each of the
arms, an actuator operative to move at least one arm closer to the other,
and a surface provided on at least a portion of some of the digits which
is configured to resist release of the string loop when the string loop
is brought into a taut condition. A method for self-play cat's cradle is
also provided.