How to Pinch Twist in Balloon Modeling

For beginners in balloon modeling, one of the most important techniques to learn is the Pinch Twist. The Pinch Twist enables the artist to create balloon designs with right angles using a single balloon. This technique is invaluable when creating balloon animals and assorted characters. Fortunately, it's also quite easy to learn.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Modeling balloons

1. Use a long modeling balloon that's inflated, but not over-inflated, as your base. Over-inflated balloons are useless because they pop when you twist them. When filling a modeling balloon with air, fill it to approximately 80 percent capacity, but no more. Tie the balloon.

2. Squeeze the balloon up and down its entire length to stretch the rubber and make it supple. A well-worked balloon is much less likely to break during the modeling process.

3. Pinch the balloon and twist it clockwise. Counter-clockwise also works—the important thing is to use the same motion consistently on the entire balloon. For the purpose of this example, we'll use a clockwise motion.

4. Grasp the balloon roughly 3 inches down. Pinch and twist it clockwise once more. Done correctly, you will have a bubble twisted into the balloon.

5. Squeeze the bubble several times to increase flexibility.

6. Hold the bubble in your palm. Twist the entire bubble clockwise a few times. The two previously twisted sections will form a single Pinch Twist point and your balloon transforms into a 90-degree angle.

Tips & Warnings

• To make even more flexible balloons, blow up and let out the air several times before knotting the balloons off. The additional stretching makes them easier to work with.
• Balloon rubber loses elasticity over time. For best modeling results, always use newly purchased balloons.