Nothing ties two BFFs together quite like an epic friendship bracelet, and young jewelers can seriously elevate their string bracelet skills with PlayMonster’s Loopdedoo Friendship Bracelet Maker.
Designed for kids ages 8 and up, the friendship bracelet maker kit includes 18 differently colored threads and a spinning loom. While the kit comes with a detailed instruction manual, it’s easy to get tangled up (no pun intended, I seriously tangled all of my strings) so an adult’s assistance may be necessary, especially as kids get the hang of using the loom.
Little hands begin by gathering however many threads they want in their desired colors. The thickness of the bracelet depends on how many threads kids use — thicker bracelets will require more threads than thinner ones. Once they’ve gathered the threads, kids will double-knot them around one of the loom’s two spinning hooks. Be sure not to cut any of the threads during this stage, as they’ll need to be full-length for later in the process.
After tying the threads on the first hook, kids will begin wrapping the threads back and forth around the hooks to create the “core” of the bracelet. As with the number of strings, the number of times that kids wrap the threads around the hooks will determine the bracelet’s thickness, so kids have artistic freedom in deciding when to stop. The only rule? They need to stop at the hook opposite the starter knot.
When the core is done, then kids need to measure out the looping thread (aka the thread they will use to make the design of the bracelet). To do so, they repeat the same wrapping process, counting each wrap to accurately measure the thread. It’s important to follow the instructions to determine how much thread they will need, and it’s even more important to keep a careful count of how many lengths of thread they have looped — keep in mind that the distance between the hooks counts as one measurement. Then, kids follow the instructions to trim the threads, unwrap their looping thread, and tie a knot.
Once those steps are finished, the fun and creativity really begins! With the length of looping thread in hand, kids begin spinning the knob at either end of loom and watch as loops form around the core strings. I found that the knob occasionally jammed up, but could be fixed by pausing and turning it slower. When the loops reach the opposite end of the string, double-knot the remaining string and the bracelet is wrist ready!
Following these instructions will result in a standard Swirl bracelet, but the instruction manual details the steps to create a range of more advanced styles, including the Zigzag and the Loopy Twist.
The Loopdedoo Friendship Bracelet Maker is an awesome, modern — and time-efficient — take on a timeless craft. An adult will likely have to be on standby for the first few uses of this toy, but I found that the kit became easier to use with practice. Plus, the loom includes a storage drawer for the thread, so there’s no need to worry about any lingering mess!
Check out the tutorial video below to get a visual representation of how the Bracelet Maker works!
