Loom bands are a colourful, creative way for children to make their own wearable art.
Using small rubber bands and a simple loom or their fingers, kids can twist and loop patterns into bracelets, rings, charms and more. It’s a brilliant activity for building patience, focus and fine motor coordination — and it’s endlessly customisable.
Whether it’s making friendship bands for mates or keyrings for the family, loom band crafting offers a fun mix of fashion and engineering for creative minds.
Materials Needed
- Pack of loom bands (various colours)
- Loom or loom hook (optional — fingers can work too)
- S-clips or C-clips for securing the ends
Tools Needed
- Loom hook or crochet hook (optional for ease)
- Small container or tray to hold bands
Steps
- Choose a Pattern
Start with a basic fishtail or single loop pattern. There are loads of kid-friendly tutorials available online if needed. - Set Up Your Bands
Organise your colours and decide on a pattern. Encourage your child to think ahead and plan their colour order. - Start Looping
Use fingers or a loom to weave the bands together, linking one through the next to form a chain. Take it slow — it’s a process! - Finish and Clip
When the desired length is reached, attach an S-clip or C-clip to secure both ends.
🧵 Loom Band Tutorials & Patterns
1. Rainbow Loom YouTube Channel (Official)
The original brand behind the loom band craze. Their official channel has hundreds of step-by-step tutorials — from beginner to advanced charms, bracelets and animals.
2. Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls – Loom Band Projects
A collection of simple loom band crafts suitable for kids. Great for those who want to start with no loom and use just fingers or pencils.
3. DIY Loom Band Tutorials (Pinterest Board)
A visual library of bracelet patterns, ring ideas and charm designs. Browse images and click through to blog posts or video instructions.
A popular YouTuber known for creative, clear, slow-paced loom band designs — great for younger kids or visual learners.
6. Instructables – Loom Band Projects
User-submitted guides ranging from wearable creations to novelty charms. Look out for creative community ideas beyond the basics.
Variations
- Charms and Keyrings: Make small shapes or initials that can be attached to bags or zips.
- Rainbow Patterns: Use bands in colour-order to create bold rainbow effects.
- Themed Sets: Create seasonal or friendship sets — great as handmade gifts.
Safety Tips
- Keep loom bands out of reach of very young children to avoid choking hazards.
- Supervise younger kids, especially if using a loom hook.
- Encourage regular breaks — this activity can be fiddly and require lots of focus!
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