Remember when everyone suddenly started wearing these colorful rubber band bracelets? Yeah, those rainbow loom things. My niece begged me for a loom kit last Christmas, and honestly? I thought it was just kid stuff. Until I tried making one myself. Turns out, there's a reason these became a global phenomenon.
Making rainbow loom bracelets is strangely addictive. But here's the kicker – when I first googled how to make a rainbow loom bracelet, half the tutorials left me more confused than when I started. Missing steps, blurry photos, terms I didn't understand. That frustration is exactly why I'm writing this guide. I'll walk you through everything: from opening your first pack of bands to creating designs that'll make your friends ask "Wait, YOU made that?"
Oh, and a confession: I ruined three bracelets before getting it right. Those clips can be sneaky little things. But you'll avoid my mistakes because we're covering all the messy details most guides skip.
Gathering Your Rainbow Loom Supplies (No Fancy Kits Needed)
First things first: what do you actually need? The official Rainbow Loom kit is great, but you can absolutely start without it. In fact, my first bracelet was made using a fork because I was too impatient to wait for delivery. Worked surprisingly well for a fishtail!
The absolute essentials:
- Rubber bands: Standard loom bands are about 1cm long and 1mm thick. You'll need at least 600 for multiple projects.
- Clips: C-clips or S-clips to connect bracelet ends. Without these, well... it's just a rubber band necklace.
- Loom tool: Either the official plastic hook or a crochet hook (size 1.65mm works).
Now about the loom itself. Many tutorials act like you must have the official plastic board. Not true. Check out these alternatives:
| Loom Type | Cost | Best For | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Rainbow Loom Board | $15–$25 | Complex patterns and consistent results | Worth it if you'll make multiple bracelets. Pins are perfectly spaced. |
| Knitting Loom | $6–$12 | Basic stitches if you already own one | Pins are larger – bands stretch more. Okay for practice. |
| DIY Cardboard Loom | Free | Fishtail and single chain bracelets | Made mine from a cereal box. Lasted for 4 bracelets! |
| Forks or Fingers | Free | Ultra-simple fishtail designs | Honestly? Kinda awkward but works in a pinch. |
Band Quality Matters: After wasting $8 on crappy bands that snapped constantly, I learned this the hard way. Look for bands labeled "latex-free" if you have sensitive skin. Cheap ones often contain harmful chemicals. My favorite brands: Rainbow Loom Official (durable) and Loomiess (vibrant colors). Skip anything sold in dollar stores – total false economy.
The Foundation: How to Make a Basic Fishtail Bracelet
Alright, let's make your first bracelet! The fishtail is the perfect starting point because you don't even need a loom. Just your fingers or a fork. I'll walk you through the finger method – it's strangely satisfying.
Step-by-Step Finger Fishtail
Start with about 25 bands. Seriously, count them – running out mid-bracelet is annoying.
- Slip a band onto your index and middle finger like a figure-8 (twisted once).
- Add a second band without twisting – just straight across both fingers.
- Now the magic part: use your thumb to pinch the bottom band on the left finger. Pull it up and over to the center. Repeat with the right finger's bottom band. Both bands should now be looped in the middle.
- Add another band straight across the fingers.
- Repeat step 3: hook the bottom left band to center, then bottom right to center.
- Keep adding bands and looping until you reach desired length. For a child's wrist, 18–20 bands. Adult? 25–30.
When finished, carefully slide the bracelet off. See those loops at each end? That's where your clip goes. Hook both end loops together with a C-clip, and trim any excess band tails.
Tension Trouble: My first finger-fishtail looked like a slinky. Too loose! Keep bands snug but not stretched. If bands feel tight while looping, your bracelet will be too stiff. Takes practice to find the sweet spot.
Fishtail on an Actual Loom
Using a loom makes patterns more consistent. Here's how:
Set your loom with pins facing up and arrow pointing away. We're using 3 columns.
| Pin Position | Action | Visual Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Row 1, left pin | Place first band vertically (twisted once) | Like a "U" shape between pins |
| Row 1, center pin | Same band connects to center | Now it looks like an "8" |
| Row 1, center pin | Second band goes horizontal to right pin | Straight line across |
| Row 2, center pin | Third band horizontal from left pin | Creates a ladder pattern |
Continue this zigzag pattern upward. When you reach your desired length, use the hook to grab the bottom band loops. Pull them over the pins and release. Clip the ends together – voila!
Honestly? The first time I did this, I flipped the loom mid-project and had to start over. Keep that arrow pointing away from you!
Level Up: Cool Patterns Beyond Basic Fishtail
Once you've mastered the fishtail, you'll want to try other designs. Here are three crowd-pleasers:
The Starburst Pattern (Intermediate)
Uses 5 pins in a cross shape. Looks complex but follows a repeating diamond pattern. Pro tip: Use metallic bands here – catches light beautifully. Takes about 45 bands.
Hexafish Braid (Advanced)
My personal favorite. Creates a stunning hexagonal weave. Warning: You'll mess up the first two attempts. Took me three tries! But worth it. Needs 80+ bands.
Glow-in-the-Dark Candy Striper
Alternate glow bands with neon colors. Perfect for concerts or sleepovers. Surprisingly simple – just straight rows with color rotation. Looks killer under black light.
| Pattern | Difficulty | Time Needed | Band Count | Why Try It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishtail | ★☆☆☆☆ | 8–12 min | 25–30 | Essential foundational skill |
| Single Chain | ★☆☆☆☆ | 6–10 min | 15–20 | Fastest project |
| Starburst | ★★★☆☆ | 25–35 min | 40–50 | Most compliments per hour |
| Hexafish Braid | ★★★★☆ | 40–60 min | 80–100 | Serious bragging rights |
Disaster Prevention: Fixing Common Rainbow Loom Mistakes
These small rubber bands have a talent for misbehaving. Based on my own fails:
Problem: Bands Keep Snapping
Usually means:
- You're overstretching (common when using forks or small looms)
- Low-quality bands (test by stretching one gently before starting)
- Dry air causes brittleness (lightly moisten hands if needed)
Problem: Bracelet Too Tight/Loose
Golden rule: Add 2 extra bands per inch for stretchiness. Too tight? Remove bands midway by looping the hook under two bands instead of one. Too loose? Congrats – you just made a necklace.
Problem: Clips Won't Hold
This drove me nuts! Solution:
- Ensure you're using C-clips not S-clips for bracelets
- Slide the clip through BOTH end loops completely until it clicks
- Test by gently pulling ends apart
If it still pops open, try this hack: Tie a tiny knot in the band tails before clipping. Holds like concrete.
Storage Hack: Keep bands in bead organizer boxes ($5 at craft stores). Saves frantic color searches. Store finished bracelets clipped around cardboard tubes (toilet paper rolls work) to prevent tangling.
Beyond Bracelets: What Else Can You Make?
Once you've got the bracelet-making down, try these:
Rainbow Loom Charms
Miniature animals, hearts, or stars. Use just 10–20 bands. Great for zipper pulls or keychains.
Loom Necklaces
Make a super-long fishtail (100+ bands) and add a pendant. Softer than metal chains.
Bottle Cozies
Measure around a water bottle, create a tube pattern. Functional and shockingly absorbent!
My most ambitious project? A rainbow loom hammock for my daughter's hamster. Used over 3,000 bands. Mr. Nibbles seemed... confused but content.
Rainbow Loom Bracelet FAQ (Stuff Everyone Wonders)
How long does making a rainbow loom bracelet actually take?
A basic fishtail? About 10 minutes once you're practiced. Complex designs can take an hour. My hexafish took 53 minutes first time – I timed it!
Can you wash rainbow loom bracelets?
Handwash ONLY in cool water. Hot water = melted rubber disaster (learned this after washing jeans). Lay flat to dry. Sunlight fades colors fast.
Are loom bands safe for young kids?
Age 6+ is ideal. Beware choking hazards with clips! Supervise under 8s. Some cheap bands contain phthalates – stick to reputable brands.
My bracelet curls like a snail! How to fix?
Happens when tension is uneven. Gently stretch it width-wise while warm (wear it for 10 mins). Or hang it with a tiny weight overnight.
Where to buy bands cheaply?
Amazon multi-packs (10,000 bands for $15). Local craft stores overcharge. Avoid eBay mystery brands – got sticky green bands once that stained everything.
How do you make rainbow loom bracelets without a loom?
Fingers, forks, pencils stuck in clay, even chicken wire! I once used my bicycle spokes during a camping trip. Improvise.
Pro Tips I Wish I Knew Earlier
- Band Stretching Test: Before starting a big project, stretch each color. If any snap under gentle pressure, ditch that batch.
- The Knot Trick: Lost your clip? Tie surgeon's knots instead. Almost invisible if you use clear bands.
- Color Planning: Sketch designs on grid paper first. Saved me from hideous color clashes.
- Hook Alternatives: No hook? Use tweezers, bent paperclip, or nail. I've used chopsticks in desperation!
- Gift Idea: Made 24 fishtails last Christmas. Everyone got custom colors. Total cost? Under $20. Way better than gift cards.
Look – some people dismiss rainbow loom as just a kids' craft. But honestly? It's meditative. After a stressful day, sitting down with colorful bands feels like therapy. And the pride when someone asks where you bought that intricate bracelet? Priceless.
That moment when you finally understand how to make a rainbow loom bracelet that looks store-bought? Magical. Start simple, embrace the mistakes (you will make them), and soon you'll be teaching others. Now go raid that rubber band stash!