Although they are called “loom bands,” you don’t actually need a loom to make these fun crafts.
Here, you can find a variety of loom band patterns that just require your hands or common household items to complete. Get some loom bands and start making something!
What Are Loom Bands?
Little elastic bands known as loom bands can be weaved into charms, bracelets, and necklaces.
Cheong Choon Ng came up with the idea for them in 2011 after observing his two daughters making bracelets out of elastic bands.
He attempted to join, but his fingers proved to be too large. He then started working on building a jewelry-making plastic loom for the bands.
He started producing the loom and developing a kit for beginners when his daughters gave the innovative device their blessing, which is how the craze started.
How To Make A Chain Bracelet
Step 1
First, you’ll need to gather your materials.
Determine how many bands you’ll need for your bracelet. For a child’s bracelet, you’ll probably need about 20, and for an adult’s bracelet, about 30.
One C-clip is also required; you can typically buy it in the same craft store aisle as the loom bands.
Step 2
One band should be twisted into an “8” shape before being folded over to form a circle.
Insert the C-clip with this circle inside. This is where your bracelet will start. This group will be referred to as #1.
Step 3
In between your fingers, pinch one band.
Halfway across the circle that you created in Step 2, insert this band (#2).
Pull the ends together and hold them together.
Step 4
Slide another band through the loops created by band #2 while pinching it. To keep the chain from coming undone, make sure you hold the ends of band #2 together as you complete this.
Band #3 should now resemble Band #2 from the previous stage because it is firmly attached to the chain.
Step 5
Pinch and slide again until the bracelet is long enough.
Put the final band’s loop through the other loop and pull firmly.
Insert the final loop of the last band into the Step 2 C-clip.
How To Make A Fishtail Bracelet
Step 1
Gather your materials first.
Determine how many bands you’ll need for your bracelet. You’ll probably need about 30 bands for a child’s bracelet and about 40 bands for an adult’s bracelet because this bracelet is a little thicker than the chain bracelet.
Additionally, one C-clip or S-clip is required.
Step 2
Wrap one loom band around your index and middle fingers.
To create an “infinity” or an “8,” twist it in the middle.
Take care not to overstretch the bands. If stretched too far, they could break.
Step 3
Wrap two more loom bands around your index and middle fingers.
Place these bands on top of the first one without twisting them. From this point forward, you won’t twist any more rubber bands.
Step 4
On your middle finger, cross the top band with the bottom loom band.
Release it when you have it in the middle of the bands (midway between your fingers).
Next, cross the top band with the bottom loom band on your index finger.
Bring it to the midpoint, then let go.
Step 5
Slide the band into the clip so that it is now in the middle. As you work, this will prevent your bracelet from coming undone.
Step 6
Put another loom band around your fingers.
Repeat Step 4 until your desired size is reached. Keep adding bands and repeat Step 4 as necessary.
Step 7
Insert the final band into the plastic clip’s opposite side. The circle will close with this motion.
How To Make A Triple Fishtail Bracelet (Using Two Pencils)
Step 1
Start by gathering your materials.
You’ll need three different colors of loom bands, a C-clip or S-clip, and two pencils.
You will need between 40 and 50 bands for a child’s bracelet and about 70 bands for an adult’s bracelet because this bracelet is much chunkier than the previous two.
Step 2
In the shape of a figure “8,” wrap three bands around the pencils. Here, all three bands should be the same color.
As opposed to the previous fishtail bracelet, you will twist all three bands together instead of just one. We’ll refer to this group as #1.
Step 3
Wrap the pencils in three bands made of different colors.
These bands must not be twisted. Just wrap them around the pencils. We’ll refer to this group as #2.
Step 4
Lift the left pencil’s tip above the center of the bottom three bands (group #1). Repeat the process with the right pencil.
The middle of the second group of three bands (group #2) should now be looped around the first three bands (group #1).
Step 5
Three bands of a third color should then be wrapped around the pencils.
Just like in Step 3, this involves wrapping the bands around the pencils rather than twisting them. We’ll refer to this group as #3.
Step 6
Draw the center of the bottom three bands (group #2) above the left pencil’s tip. Repeat the process with the right pencil.
Now, the group #2 bands should be looped around the group #3 bands in the center.
Step 7
Repeat Steps 3 and 4.
Don’t forget to swap your colors. Simply continue to wrap groups of three bands around the pencils, lifting the bottom bands to the middle.
Continue until the bracelet is the desired length.
Step 8
Insert the plastic clip into the bracelet’s bottom end where you started.
The final collection of bands will form two “loops” at the top of the bracelet. Pinch these together and cautiously detach the pencil loops.
Step 9
Put one loop around the thumb of your non-dominant hand.
Pull the other loop with your dominant hand to slightly spread the bands apart.
Next, pass that loop through the first one. At this point, the bracelet’s end ought to be secured with a slipknot.
Step 10
Fasten the remaining loop to the clip. The circle will be closed off by this.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Three simple ways to make some fun and creative bracelets using loom bands without the need for a loom.
These loom band bracelets are great for beginners and even better for kids. There’s no need for a loom when you can use your hands or everyday objects you can find around your home. Give it a try today and make some cute friendship bracelets for you and your family.
There’s nothing better than sitting down after a long, stressful day with a good craft or hobby - right?
Hi, my name is Helena Forsite and I am a self-proclaimed crafter. I love everything to do with DIYs, baking, crafting, and more!
When I was younger, fresh out of college, I developed a pretty strong anxiety disorder. I found it difficult to go to work, socialize with friends, or even get out of the house at all.
