Tired of boring, store-bought bracelets? Want to unleash your creativity and make something unique? Then you need to learn how to make cardboard loom bracelets! With just a few simple supplies and a little bit of patience, you can create amazing, colorful bracelets that will turn heads.
3 Easy Ways to Make Cardboard Loom Bracelets
Before: Do you ever find yourself with a pile of cardboard and a craving for a DIY project? Let me tell you, those cardboard boxes are about to become your new best friend. We’re talking about easy, fun, and super satisfying ways to make your own fabulous cardboard loom bracelets!
After: Imagine rocking a unique bracelet that you made yourself, and all you needed was a little cardboard and some colorful threads. With these simple techniques, you’ll be turning those cardboard boxes into dazzling arm candy in no time!
Bridge: Let’s dive into the world of cardboard loom bracelets. There are many ways to make these, but we’ll focus on three easy methods that are beginner-friendly and sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Method 1: The Classic Cardboard Loom
This is the OG method, and it’s super straightforward! Here’s how to make a cardboard loom bracelet:
Step 1: Get Your Supplies
You’ll need a few key players for this project:
- Cardboard: A cereal box, a shoebox, or any sturdy cardboard will do.
- Scissors: For cutting those cardboard strips.
- Ruler: To keep those strips even.
- Pen or pencil: For marking the cardboard.
- Yarn or embroidery floss: Choose your favorite colors!
- Scissors: For trimming your threads.
- Tape: To secure your loom.
Step 2: Building Your Loom
- Cut Your Strips: Cut two long strips of cardboard, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide. These will be your loom base.
- Mark Your Slots: Using a ruler and pen, mark 1-inch (2.5 cm) intervals along each of your cardboard strips.
- Create the Slots: Use scissors to cut a small “V” shape at each marked interval, making approximately 12 to 15 slots on each strip.
- Connect the Strips: Line up the slots on both strips, aligning them perfectly. Secure the ends of the strips with tape, forming a sturdy loom.
Step 3: Threading Time!
- Starting at the Bottom: Thread your yarn or floss onto each slot, starting at the bottom of your loom. Think of it like weaving a web.
- Wrapping It Up: Bring your thread up and over the top of the loom, then back down to the slot below. Continue this pattern for each slot.
- Repeat the Pattern: Keep wrapping the thread, going up and over, then down to the next slot. You’ll be creating a beautiful braided effect.
- Change Colors: Once you’ve gone all the way down the loom, tie off the end of your thread by securing it to the last slot. Switch to a new color if you want to make a colorful bracelet.
- Keep Weaving: Repeat the process of wrapping and changing colors as needed until you reach your desired bracelet length.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Tie It Off: When your bracelet is the right length, tie off the yarn or floss at the bottom of the loom.
- Remove the Loom: Carefully slide the bracelet off the loom, and give it a good tug to make sure it’s secure.
- Trim the Ends: Trim any excess yarn or floss with your scissors, leaving a neat finish.
- And That’s It! You’ve just created a beautiful cardboard loom bracelet. Now, go show off your amazing handiwork!
Method 2: The Easy Cardboard Loom
This method is all about simplicity. It’s perfect for those who want to get right to the weaving without all the fuss.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies for this method:
- Cardboard: Again, any sturdy cardboard will work.
- Scissors: For cutting the cardboard.
- Yarn or embroidery floss: Get creative with colors!
- Tape: To secure your loom together.
Step 2: Creating the Loom
- Cut Your Strips: Cut two long strips of cardboard, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. These will be your loom base.
- Secure the Ends: Tape the ends of each cardboard strip together, creating a loop.
- Connect the Loops: Place one loop on top of the other, creating a double-layered loop. Secure the layers together with tape.
Step 3: Ready to Weave!
- Tie the Yarn: Tie a knot around the top of your loom, creating a loop for your thread.
- Weaving It Up: Begin weaving your yarn, going over and under the loom, creating a simple and beautiful woven pattern.
- Change Colors: When you want to add a new color, tie the new yarn onto the existing yarn, creating a secure knot. This will prevent your threads from unraveling.
- Keep Weaving: Continue weaving with your new color of yarn, maintaining the over-under pattern until you reach your desired length.
Step 4: Final Steps
- Finishing Up: Once the bracelet is the desired length, tie off the yarn securely at the top of the loom.
- Slide It Off: Gently slide your bracelet off the loom.
- Trim Excess Yarn: Cut off any excess yarn, leaving the ends neatly trimmed.
- Wear with Pride! You’ve just made another awesome cardboard loom bracelet using this easy-peasy method.
Method 3: The Simple Card Loom
This method is super simple and requires just a few basic supplies.
Step 1: Essentials for the Loom
Get your hands on these supplies:
- Cardboard: A cereal box or a piece of sturdy cardboard will do.
- Scissors: For cutting the cardboard.
- Yarn or embroidery floss: Select your favorite colors for a colorful creation.
- Tape: To secure your loom.
Step 2: Constructing the Loom
- Cut a Rectangle: Cut out a rectangle from your cardboard, about 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and 6 inches (15.2 cm) long.
- Fold It In Half: Fold the cardboard rectangle in half lengthwise.
- Cut a Slot: Use scissors to cut a small slot in the center of the folded edge, about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) long.
- Secure the Loom: Tape the edges of the folded cardboard together, forming a sturdy loom.
Step 3: Weaving the Bracelet
- Tie the Yarn: Tie your yarn or embroidery floss through the slot you made in your cardboard loom.
- Weaving It In: Begin weaving your yarn, going over and under the loom, creating a basic woven pattern.
- Change It Up: When you want to add a new color of yarn, tie it onto the existing yarn, creating a secure knot.
- Continue Weaving: Keep weaving your yarn, changing colors as you like, until you reach the desired bracelet length.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Tie It Off: When your bracelet is the right length, tie the yarn off securely at the top of the loom.
- Slide It Off: Gently slide your bracelet off the loom.
- Trim the Ends: Cut off any loose yarn or floss ends for a clean finish.
- Show Off Your Work: You have now successfully created a beautiful and simple cardboard loom bracelet!
Conclusion
So there you have it – three easy ways to make cardboard loom bracelets. With these beginner-friendly techniques, you can turn ordinary cardboard into dazzling accessories. It’s a perfect project for unleashing your inner creativity, exploring color combinations, and adding some charm to your wardrobe! No matter which method you choose, you’ll be rocking your very own handcrafted bracelets in no time. Go ahead, get creative, and let your inner bracelet maker shine!
