Nylon Loop Crafts
Nylon loops are rings of stretchy nylon material that are approximately 7 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. They come in a variety of colors, and are sold either as bags of mixed colors or in single colors. Use imagination, patterns and colors to create unique accessories for yourself or gifts for others.
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Pot Holders
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The craft made most often with nylon loops is the small potholder. These are made using plastic or metal 7" x 7" looms, often red in color. The looms have about 16 rows of pegs on each of the four sides. Crafters first put a row of loops running from the top to bottom of the loom-- the vertical warp loops -- then weave weft loops over and under horizontally. Crafters create random, colorful weaving projects, and create patterns in the weaving. Crafters finish off the edges of the weaving, leaving a small square. These are used by themselves as potholders, or are sewn together in groups of two or four to create larger potholders.
Purses
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The squares created with the looms are also used as purses. A single square can become a coin purse. Bring three corners into the center of the square. Stitch them together. The last corner is the flap of the purse. A button sewn to the bottom of the purse with a nylon loop sewn to the top flap make a closure for the coin purse. Make a larger purse by stitching two or eight of the squares together. Braid loops or make a long lanyard for the handle of the purse. A loop and button closure works well for the larger purse as well.
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Headbands
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Use nylon loops to make a braided headband. First, make three or four long strands of loops by hooking them together. This is done by placing one loop on top of another. Put the top of the top loop through the bottom loop, then pull the bottom of the bottom loop up through the top loop. Pull tight. Continue hooking loops together in this way until you have a strand that is 1 1/2 times the circumference of your head. Make each strand from a different complementary color, or make them each from the same color. Braid the strands together with either three or four strand braiding. Cut off and stitch the ends together when it reaches the correct size. The loops stretch for easy fitting.
Belts or Lanyards
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Use nylon loops to create belts or lanyards. For one style, use an alligator clip for lanyard or a hook for a belt. Push one loop through the clip, and fold it in half. String another loop through the two ends of the first, then fold it in half, keeping the ends even. Slide a pony bead down over the second nylon loop. Attach another loop to the second loop by stringing it through both loops. Continue adding beads and loops until the lanyard or belt reaches the desired length. Circle the loops for a lanyard or finish off the last for a decorative belt. Vary the pattern by using double loops, more beads and different colors of nylon loops.
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