Emma, my nine-year-old, is head over heels for these bracelets. They are the coolest thing since Silly Bands. The thing is, the Rainbow Loom costs between $15-25 depending on where you find it. The loom kit comes with an assorted color starter pack of rubber bands, but you will quickly find yourself buying more. Well, we figured out a way to create the Fishtail bracelet design by buying just the Rainbow Loom rubber bands and using 2 pencils!
Rainbow Loom Bracelet Tutorial
This method is super easy and perfect for beginners. You don’t need a fancy plastic loom or a special hook. If you want to make a starburst pattern later, you might also like to invest in a kit, but for this fishtail design, pencils work perfectly.
Here’s What You Need:
- 2 pencils (You could also use knitting needles, but the pencils are much more manageable for younger kids.)
- Rainbow Loom Bands (Any craft store or even drug stores sell them.) You will need about 40-48 for an elementary school kid. This bracelet took 44.
- C or S Clamps (These come in the bag with the rubber bands.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: The Figure Eight
Loop the first band over the pencil by twisting it to make a figure eight. This creates the foundation for your weave. This is the only time you will make a figure eight.
Step 2: Add More Bands
Slip a second band around the two pencils. Do not twist this one. Just place it straight across.
Step 3: The Third Band
Repeat with a third band. You should now have three bands on your pencils. Choose whatever color you want for your pattern.
Step 4: Looping the Bands
Step 5: Continue the Chain
Keep repeating the process by looping the lowest band over the top one you just added. Then add a new band. The bracelet will start to grow in length like this. As you work, pull the whole bracelet gently to stretch the chain you’ve started.
Step 6: Finishing Up
Once you reach the end or the desired length, end the bracelet by slipping the remaining bands off of the ends of the pencil. Connect both ends of the bracelet by sliding each end into an end of the S clamp or add a C clamp. Clip to the last band to secure it.
There you have it! An easy way to make a Rainbow Loom bracelet without the loom and SO kid friendly. Your kids won’t stop once they get started!
Conclusion
With the right materials and a little practice, you can make your own collection of colorful rainbow loom bracelets. This simple craft is a fun hobby that allows for endless creativity. Whether you make a single bracelet or a whole loom is filled with designs, these make great gifts for friends and family. If making rainbow loom jewelry interests you, try this pencil method today. It’s a fantastic way to dive into the world of rubber band crafting without expensive equipment. You might also enjoy exploring more complex patterns once you master this basic technique!
FAQs
Q: How do I get started on the loom with rainbow loom bracelets?
A: To get started on the loom, place bands on the peg pattern you choose and secure the first band onto the first peg then loop a band as you follow tutorials — wikihow has helped many beginners and Instructables also offers step-by-step guides to make it easier.
Q: What should I do when I reach the last band on the loom?
A: When you reach the last band on the loom, slide your hook to grab the end that’s wrapped around the final peg, take the first loop and pull it so the loop still around the hook comes free, then clip onto the loops or use a C-clip to secure the end of your bracelet.
Q: How do I loop and chain bands so they don’t burst or come apart?
A: To prevent a burst, always double up a band where the design requires extra strength, chain the bands by looping each band onto the next peg and ensure the band that goes around critical pegs is placed correctly so the looped structure supports the perimeter and middle sections.
Q: Can you explain how to place a band in color and band diagonally for patterns?
A: To place a band in color, choose your color and place it on the peg you want — for diagonal patterns place a band diagonally from the bottom center pegs or from the second peg of the right row diagonally to the fourth peg so the design flows; for example, place five more bands along a row diagonally to the fourth peg to create a gradient.
Q: How do I remove the bracelet from the loom without losing the band from the first peg?
A: Carefully hook out and you’re done by using your hook to lift the bottom loop and pull the band from the first peg onto the second peg or onto the third as needed, then grab the end that’s wrapped and slide the bracelet off maintaining the integrity of the band from the fourth peg and the top of the first connections.
