Friendship Bracelets using Cardboard Loom

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRtMjpCgogk

Supplies

• Cardboard (cereal boxes work great)

• Scissors

• Pencil

• Ruler

• 7 strands of wool/embroidery thread (each about 30–40cm long)

• Optional: tape to hold the starting knot

Steps

1. Make Your Cardboard Loom

1. Cut out a circle from the cardboard (about 8–10cm wide).

2. Draw a small circle in the centre (about 1–2cm).

3. Cut a small hole in the middle.

4. Cut 8 evenly spaced slits around the edges — like a clock.(They should be about 1cm deep.)

Your cardboard circle should now look like a wheel with 8 notches.

2. Prepare Your Threads

1. Choose 7 strands of thread or wool.

2. Line them up together and tie a big knot at one end.

3. Push the knot through the centre hole (from back to front).

4. Hold the knot at the back with a bit of tape if you want extra stability.

3. Load the Threads Into the Loom

1. Place each strand into a separate slit — one slit will remain empty.

2. Smooth out the strands so they don’t tangle.

4. Start Weaving

This is the simple kumihimo pattern:

1. Hold your wheel with the empty slit at the top.

2. Count 3 strands to the right of the empty slit.

3. Take that strand and move it up into the empty slit.

4. Rotate your wheel so that the new empty slit is at the top again.

5. Repeat:

   • Count 3 to the right

   • Move that strand into the empty slit

   • Rotate

Encourage kids to establish a rhythm:“Count 3, move it, turn it.”

5. Watch the Bracelet Grow

As they weave, the bracelet will start forming underneath the wheel, coming out through the centre hole.

If it gets twisted, gently untwist the dangling strands.

6. Finish Off

1. When the bracelet is the right length, take all strands out of the notches.

2. Tie a knot close to the wheel to secure it.

3. Remove the bracelet from the wheel completely.

4. Tie both ends together to make a bracelet.

You can trim the ends or leave them as cute tassels.