how to make a loom band bracelet on a loom

Loom bands have exploded in popularity, offering a fun and accessible way to create colorful and eye-catching bracelets. But forget struggling with fingers – a loom makes the process a breeze!  This guide will walk you through the basics of creating a loom band bracelet on your very own loom.

Gathering Your Supplies:

Before you dive into weaving, here's what you'll need:

• Rainbow Loom or Similar Loom:  Looms come in various shapes and sizes. The most common option is a rectangular loom with rows of pegs.

• Rubber Bands:  These are the stars of the show!  Rubber bands come in a vast array of colors and sizes. Stock up on your favorites, or choose a pre-made kit for color inspiration.

• Loom Hook:  This small hook tool is essential for manipulating the rubber bands on the loom.

• Scissors (Optional):  While not always necessary, scissors can be handy for trimming stray rubber bands.

Understanding Your Loom:

Let's take a quick look at the loom itself:

• The Pegs:  These are the little posts that hold your rubber bands. The number of pegs will vary depending on your loom size, but most beginner looms have rows and columns of pegs.

• The Hook Holder:  This is a small slot on the loom where you can store your loom hook when not in use.

• Choosing a Design (Optional):  For beginners, starting with a simple design is recommended. However, the internet is brimming with online tutorials featuring all sorts of complex and intricate loom band bracelet designs!

Creating Your First Bracelet: Step-by-Step

Now, let's get weaving! Here's how to create a basic loom band bracelet:

1. Placing the First Row:  Begin by looping rubber bands around the center pegs of your loom. Start from the bottom row and work your way up, ensuring each band goes around two pegs. Choose a single color for this first row.

2. Adding Rows with the Hook:  Here's where the loom hook comes in! Grab a rubber band with your hook, stretch it diagonally over two pegs (not necessarily the next two in the row), and hook it onto the peg above. Repeat this process, grabbing a new band each time and hooking it onto the next available peg diagonally across from the previous band. Continue this process, working your way around the loom in rows until you reach your desired bracelet width.

3. Removing the Bracelet from the Loom:  Now, the fun part – taking your creation off the loom!  Using your hook, carefully lift the bottom band on each peg and loop it over the rubber band sitting diagonally above it. Essentially, you're working your way up each peg, removing the bottom band and hooking it onto the band above. Once you've completed all the pegs, you'll have a long chain of rubber bands.

Finishing Touches and Beyond!

Almost there! Here's how to complete your bracelet:

• Securing the Bracelet:  Use a standard rubber band or a clasp (if your loom kit included one) to secure the ends of your bracelet loop together.

• Experimenting with Colors:  Now that you've mastered the basics, you can unleash your creativity!  Try using different colored bands to create patterns, stripes, or even geometric designs.

Exploring Further:

The world of loom band bracelets is vast! Here are some ways to take your creations to the next level:

• Following a Design Pattern:  Feeling adventurous?  The internet offers a wealth of online tutorials featuring specific designs for loom band bracelets. From hearts and stars to geometric patterns, there's something for everyone!

• Using Different Techniques:  Once you're comfortable with the basics, explore advanced techniques like fishtail or starburst bracelets. These techniques create unique textures and patterns, adding another layer of fun to your loom band creations.

Loom bands and a loom open up a world of creative possibilities. With a little practice, you'll be a loom band bracelet pro in no time! So grab your loom, and your rubber bands, and get ready to weave some colorful magic!