If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to make beautiful loom bands, look no further than the starburst pattern. This popular design is sure to impress your friends and add a touch of style to your wrist. And the best part? You can create it using just two ordinary forks!
To get started, gather all the materials you’ll need: colourful rubber bands, two forks, and a hook. If you don’t have a loom hook, not to worry – a crochet hook or even a paperclip will do the trick!
First, take one rubber band and twist it into a figure-eight shape. Slide this rubber band onto the two outer prongs of one of the forks. This will be the base for your starburst design. Make sure the rubber band is centered on the fork, with one loop on each prong.
Next, take another rubber band and twist it into a figure-eight shape as well. This time, slide it onto the prongs of the second fork. Make sure the rubber band is positioned under the first rubber band, forming a crossed pattern. You should now have two rubber bands on each fork, forming an “X” shape.
What is a starburst loom band?
A starburst loom band is a type of bracelet or accessory made using coloured rubber bands and a loom, a special tool used in making intricate patterns and designs. Loom bands gained popularity in the early 2010s as a creative and fun way to make custom jewelry and accessories.
The starburst pattern is one of the most popular designs for loom bands. It features a star-like shape created by looping rubber bands together. This design can be made using various methods, but one simple and accessible technique uses two forks.
To create a starburst loom band with two forks, you will need two forks, rubber bands in different colours, and a hook or a crochet needle to weave the bands together. This method is a great alternative for those who don’t have a loom or prefer a more portable option.
Step 1: Gather the materials
Before you can begin making a starburst loom band with two forks, you will need to gather the necessary materials:
Materials:
- 2 forks
- Loom bands in different colors
- A hook or crochet needle
Make sure you have these materials ready before you start, as it will make the process much easier and smoother.
Gather the materials
Before you begin making a starburst loom band, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- Colored rubber bands in two or more different colors
- A loom board or two forks
- A hook or crochet needle
- A C or S clip to hold the bracelet together
Make sure you have enough rubber bands in each color to complete the starburst pattern. You can find rubber bands in a variety of colors at craft stores or online.
Step 2: Creating the Center Knot
To start making the starburst loom band, you will need two forks. Hold the first fork with the prongs facing down and the handle facing up. The second fork should be held in the opposite direction, with the prongs facing up and the handle facing down.
Take the band of your choice and stretch it out between the two forks. Make sure the band is centered and evenly placed on both forks.
Using your fingers, take the bottom band from the left fork and bring it over the prongs to the right fork. Repeat this step with the bottom band on the right fork, bringing it over the prongs to the left fork. You should now have two crossed bands in the center, creating a knot between the forks.
Alternative method:
If you prefer, you can also create the center knot by using a C-clip instead of the forks. Simply place the bands on a flat surface with the desired pattern. Then, using a C-clip, grab the bands in the center and pull them through, creating a knot.
Once the center knot is secured, you can proceed to the next step in creating your starburst loom band.
Create the base
To start making a starburst loom band with two forks, you will need to create a base using rubber bands. Take your first rubber band and twist it into a figure eight shape. Then, take another rubber band and place it over the figure eight, creating a loop. Repeat this step until you have a chain of rubber bands that fits around your two forks.
Once you have the chain of rubber bands, take one end and loop it around one of the prongs of one fork. Then, bring the other end of the chain and loop it around the prong of the other fork. This will create a loop of rubber bands between the two forks.
Next, take another rubber band and place it over the two forks, creating a loop that goes over the prongs of both forks. Repeat this step until the entire length of the forks is covered with rubber bands.
Now that you have created the base, you are ready to start weaving the starburst pattern.
Step 3: Creating the Starburst
Take the outermost band from the right side of your loom and stretch it diagonally across to the outermost peg on the left side of your loom. Make sure the band is not twisted and that it crosses over all the other bands on the loom.
Repeat this step with the remaining outermost bands, creating an “X” shape as you go around the loom. Keep in mind that you will be creating a star shape with the bands, so make sure the X pattern is consistent.
Take your hook and carefully lift the bottom band up and over the peg it is resting on. Do this for each peg all the way around the loom.
Once all the bands have been lifted, your starburst design will start to take shape on the loom. Make sure to keep the bands in place and secure as you continue with the next steps.
Tip: Take your time and be gentle when lifting the bands over the pegs to avoid any breakage. This will ensure that your starburst loom band turns out neat and tidy.
Continue to Step 4 to complete your starburst loom band.
Add the starburst pattern
Now it’s time to add the starburst pattern to your loom band. Take the first fork and slide it down into the first groove of the loom board, making sure the teeth of the fork face towards you.
Next, take your second fork and slide it into the groove next to the first fork, also facing towards you. Make sure the two forks are parallel to each other.
Now, take your first rubber band and stretch it across the two forks diagonally from the first tooth of the first fork to the second tooth of the second fork. It should form an “X” shape.
Repeat this step with another rubber band, placing it diagonally from the second tooth of the first fork to the third tooth of the second fork. Again, it should form an “X” shape.
Continue adding rubber bands in this manner, alternating between the first and second teeth of each fork, until you reach the end of the loom board.
Once you have added all the rubber bands, you can begin the weaving process to create the starburst pattern. Take your hook and carefully lift the bottom rubber band of the first “X” shape over the top of the second rubber band, and then release it back into the groove. Repeat this step for each “X” shape.
Continue weaving the rubber bands in this way until you have completed the starburst pattern. Make sure to keep the tension of the rubber bands even as you weave.
Once the starburst pattern is complete, you can remove the loom bracelets from the forks. Gently slide the bracelet off the forks one by one, making sure to maintain the shape of the starburst design.
Congratulations! You have successfully made a starburst loom band using just two forks. Enjoy wearing your new creation or sharing it with friends!
