This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Loom bands are colorful, stretchy, rubber bands that come in all kinds of colors. This guide tells you how to make a rubber band bracelet with loom bands. This post contains affiliate links.
I was at my local craft store earlier this week and I came across loom bands.
They were very intriguing and looked simple enough. Right away I thought of creating easy DIY bracelets with my daughters.
Supplies You'll Need to Create this Project:
These are often called rainbow loom bracelets but you don't use a loom for this pattern. Only our fingers.
Instructions:
- Take the small rubber band and flatten it into an oval in your fingers and put it through the C-clip.
- Take another small rubber band and flatten it again and put it through the two loops from the previous band.
- Continue with small rubber bands until you have the desired length, then take the 2 loops of the last band and put them into the C-clip.
It is really that easy!
The package came with a crochet needle, but we all found the needle more confusing to use than just fingers.
All three of my girls made one and had a lot of fun making their own single chain bracelet.
This is simple chain design is great for younger kids. My youngest is 8 and she was a little frustrated to get started but once she figured it out she made several with no problem. Now she has new skills!
They even made some matching bracelets for their teddy bears!
My girls also made a few rubber band friendship bracelets for each best friend at school, so they can all have matching bracelets.
I never did learn how to make the fancy braided friendship bracelets but I think these are much easier, and they are pretty cute too! Plus they make great gifts to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are loom bands?
Loom bands are mini elastic bands, that are really pretty small. You can stretch these colorful rubber bands to fit over your finger but not much more.
Where do you buy loom bands?
You can find loom bands at just about any local craft store, like Hobby Lobby or Michaels Stores. They are usually in the kid's crafts section.
Amazon is also a great option. There you can find lots of colors of loom bands and all of the tools, like a weaving loom and hooks.
How much are loom bands?
They are pretty inexpensive, but that doesn't mean you should buy the cheapest set.
You will find some loom bands that are very poor quality and break easily. Those are usually really thin bands.
I like this loom kit from Amazon. It is good quality and not expensive, and they even come with charms!
Do you need a special hook?
The hook is basically a crochet hook, so you don't need a loom band hook.
Although, stay away from the larger crochet hooks. They don't work well with small bands.
Can you buy just the plastic C clips?
Yes, you can!
I really like these C clips that come in a rainbow of colors. They are so pretty!
How many rainbow loom bands does it take to make a bracelet?
For this colorful bracelet, you would need about 25 loom bands.
But feel free to use more or less for the perfect fit.
How do you finish the ends of a rubber band bracelet?
In the very first step, you start with a C-clip. When the bracelet is the desired length, bring the clip around and attach it to the last rubber band loop bringing the ends of the bracelet together.
Walah, your bracelet is finished and your wrist has a fancy new bracelet!
Are there different patterns you can make?
Yes! There are many different designs and instructions out there to make different types of bracelets. There are some that have a more complex design, while others have more easy rainbow loom bracelet designs.
For more great ideas type "loom band bracelet" in your search browser, and you can find a lot of tutorials showing you how to make the different bracelets. Just make sure they offer clear instructions so you don't end up getting frustrated.
How do you make a fishtail rubber band bracelet?
The fishtail is another popular style of loom bracelet, and guess what? I have a tutorial!
How to Make a Fishtail Bracelet.
Our Jewelry Making Essentials List:
- Jewelry Pliers are a necessity when it comes to jewelry making.
- Good quality Jump Rings are a necessity in many different sizes and metals.
- A Non-slip Bead Mat keeps your beads, findings, and tools in front of you without rolling away!
- The more you DIY Jewelry, the more little beads and things you will accumulate. Keep them organized with Plastic Organizer Containers.
Recommended Posts
Katie Adams
Creator at The Crafty Blog Stalker
- 41 Free Camping Printables and Activities
- Handmade Rhinestone Earrings
- DIY Stackable Bracelets
- 25 Popsicle Stick Crafts for Kids
- Paper Strip Hearts with Easy Instructions
- 39 Free St Patrick's Day Printables
- 29 Awesome Things to Make with Cardboard
- 28 Beautiful Handmade Jewelry Ideas
- 20 of the Best Painted Rock Art Ideas, You Can Do!
- DIY Earring Holder Frame
- Painted Cork Board - Crafts for Kids
- How to Make a DIY Pool Noodle Lightsaber
Boni
These are so cute! I bet my daughter would love to make these. I will have to go look for that kit this weekend. Just came across your blog! I love it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Gina Wamsley
These look like fun! I'll have to check them out! Thanks for sharing!
Gina
Diana - FreeStyleMama
Cute! Great idea for scouts!
Julie Corbisiero
Hi, we have the rainbow loom at home and my daughter loves making them. My husband and I even wear them. You idea is great! I saw it on memories by the mile link party.
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Cathy
These are really cute and I think my granddaughters would love them... Thanks for sharing - found you through the Brag About It Link Party....
Tammy N
Such a cute and colorful craft for kids!
Jennifer
I keep seeing these, and the racks and racks of bands, everywhere and have been wondering how they are made. I saw looms that make more complicated designs, too, but now that I know they use little plastic clips, it makes SO MUCH more sense! I kept wondering how they end and begin! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sandi
where did you find the clips? I haven't found them separate from the rubber bands.
Katie Adams
I have only been able to find the clips with the bands as well.
concretenprimroses
Very cute. TFS.
Kathy
Lisa FlourMeWithLove
These are too cute and I know my daughter would love them! I hope I can find them at the store. Thanks for sharing at Mix it up Monday 🙂
Tori Grant
Super cute I love friendship bracelets. It brings me back to 5th grade:) Thanks for sharing at Tell Me Tuesday. Your being featured this week!
Miranda @ Someday Crafts
Thanks for sharing at Whatever Goes Wednesday. These looks so fun and cute! This was the most viewed link at last week's party, so we'll be highlighting this at the next party tomorrow! We hope you'll stop by and party with us again!
Jessica
Thank you so much for sharing your craft on last weeks Thrifty Thursday! I have Featured your post this week, and we hope you will share again!
http://healthyhiggins.blogspot.com/2013/09/16-weeks-and-counting.html
Aubrey Corcoran
Where did you buy the rubber bands? how much were they?
Katie Adams
I bought them at JoAnn's. They were like about $4 for the bag of bands and clasps.
Enjoying the Epiphany
Hi! I am your newest follower... saw you on the blog hop. Cute bracelets!!
Have a lovely Sunday!
-Sarah
Porter Daniel
Thanks
Kay Grenz
A friends granddaughter loves making these cute rubber band bracelets. She can't find the clear clips. Where can you buy them with out buying the compete kits? she has lots of rubber bands. Thank you, Kay
Katie
I have only been able to find the small plastic clasps with the bands. I have never been able to find them separate either. I apologize that I can't help.