DIY Friendship Bracelets: Easy Cardboard Loom Tutorial for Beginners

Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, your guide to all things handmade. Remember those colorful friendship bracelets we used to make as kids? The ones that symbolized unbreakable bonds and summer camp adventures? Well, they’re back, and they’re easier than ever to create with this simple cardboard loom technique.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this tutorial will have you weaving beautiful, personalized bracelets in no time. These vibrant creations make heartfelt gifts for friends, charming accessories, or even fun projects for a crafty afternoon.

Why You’ll Love Cardboard Loom Bracelets

While classic friendship bracelet patterns using embroidery floss hold a special place in our hearts, they can be a tad challenging for younger hands. That’s where the cardboard loom steps in – a beginner-friendly method that yields stunning results with minimal effort.

Here’s what makes this technique so fantastic:

• Easy for All Ages: Even preschoolers can join in on the fun! The loom simplifies the weaving process, making it perfect for beginners and kids of all ages.
• Versatile Materials: Experiment with different types of yarn or thread to achieve unique textures and looks. From chunky wool for a cozy feel to vibrant embroidery floss for intricate designs, the possibilities are endless!
• Quick and Rewarding: This technique delivers quick results, so you can enjoy the satisfaction of finishing a bracelet in one sitting.
• Perfect for Gifting: Handmade gifts are always special, and these friendship bracelets are no exception. Infuse them with love and personalize them with the recipient’s favorite colors.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before we embark on our crafting journey, let’s gather our tools and materials:

• Yarn or Embroidery Floss: Choose your favorite colors! I recommend starting with 7 strands of approximately 50cm each.
• Cardboard: A sturdy piece is all you need. We’ll be using a tin can as a template for our loom circle.
• Scissors: For cutting the cardboard and yarn.
• Ruler and Pencil: To create precise markings on our loom.
• Beads or Buttons (Optional): Add a touch of personality to your bracelets with decorative closures.

Crafting Your Cardboard Loom

Now for the fun part – building our DIY loom!

1. Creating the Circle: Trace the outline of your tin can onto the cardboard and carefully cut it out.
2. Marking the Segments: Use your ruler and pencil to divide the circle into 8 equal segments by drawing four lines across the center. Don’t worry about being perfectly precise – close enough works wonders!
3. Creating the Weaving Slots: Make a small hole in the center of the circle, large enough to comfortably thread your yarn strands through. Then, cut a 1cm slit along each of the segment lines, leaving about 2cm uncut before reaching the central hole.

Congratulations, your cardboard loom is ready to weave!

Weaving Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

This part is easier shown than told, so I highly recommend checking out the video tutorial [insert link to video if applicable]. But for those who prefer written instructions, here’s a breakdown:

1. Preparing Your Strands: Tie a knot at one end of your 7 yarn strands, leaving a tail long enough for finishing later. Depending on your preferred closing method, you can adjust the knot accordingly.
2. Threading the Loom: Thread the knotted end of your yarn bundle through the central hole of the loom.
3. Securing the Strands: Take each strand and individually slot it through one of the 1cm cuts you made on the loom’s circumference. You should now have all 7 strands secured, leaving one empty slot.
4. The Weaving Dance:
   • Locate the strand that sits three spaces to the left of the empty slot.
   • Gently lift this strand, bring it down, and pass it over the empty slot. This will create a new empty slot.
   • Rotate your disc slightly (optional, but helpful!) so that the new empty slot is facing downwards.
   • Repeat the process, always picking up the strand three spaces to the left of the empty slot.

As you continue this rhythmic weaving motion, you’ll see your friendship bracelet magically growing on the underside of the loom. Give it a gentle tug downwards every now and then to maintain tension.

Finishing Touches: Securing Your Bracelet

Once you’ve reached your desired bracelet length, it’s time to secure your masterpiece. Here are a few techniques:

1. The Simple Knot: This method, favored by my son, involves undoing the initial knot you tied, then securely tying the beginning and end strands together directly onto the wrist. This creates a more permanent closure.

2. The Loop and Knot:

   • Option A: Instead of 7 strands, use 3 strands about 1 meter long each, folding them in half to create a loop. Add your 7th strand and tie them off with a knot. This loop becomes part of your closure. You can either tie the final strands directly onto this loop (creating a shorter bracelet) or…
   • Option B: …add a bead or button to the looped ends. Once your bracelet is the desired length, tie two knots with enough space between them for the bead or button to fit snugly.

Experiment with different closure methods and find what works best for you!

Embrace the Joy of Handmade

There you have it – your very own DIY friendship bracelet made with love and a touch of cardboard magic. Now go forth, experiment with different colors, explore various knotting techniques, and most importantly, have fun!

Don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments below. I’d love to see your unique twists on this classic craft. And for more inspiring handmade gift ideas and tutorials, be sure to explore the wonderful world of Robert Kline Art. Happy crafting!