HOW TO TIE YOUR OWN LOOPS Alexander May
Copyright © 2010, Alexander May Cover image: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/ba1969
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CONTENTS How to Tie Your Own Loops
6
Care & Making Loops Last
13
Subtleties & Tips
15
Get in Touch
16
HOW TO TIE YOUR OWN LOOPS It’s a much better investment to make your own loops than to get ready-made ones. One benefit is that you can make the loops as large as you want, saving you a lot in breakages. For clarity, I have used ordinary thread, so that it will show on the photos. To begin, you will need:
1. Elastic Thread 2. Tweezer 3. Scissors 4. Bulldog Clip
a) Pull a strand of thread from the spool. You can measure it as long as you might need. There is a 100 feet of thread, so you can use a bit of trial & error! Use the scissors to cut the thread, taking care not to let the cut end get lost inside the thread holder.
Figure 2
b) Grab the two ends of the thread in your left hand between your thumb and index finger (figure 3). Now, using the tweezer, pinch both of the ends (figure 4).
Figure 3
Figure 4
c) Use the bulldog clip (or mini clips as I used here) to clamp down on the tweezer. This will keep the threads pinched and leave your hands free (figure 5).
Figure 5
d) Take the middle of the thread, and place it over the tweezer (figure 6).
Figure 6
e) Grab the middle through the loop created, and pull towards you and down (figure 7).
Figure 7
f) Slowly pull it towards the left in order to pull the thread off the tweezer - effectively making a knot (figure 8).
Figure 8
IMPORTANT: You need to tie a couple of these knots – I usually tie four. Otherwise, you may find the knot coming undone under stress.
g) Once done, you can release the thread from the tweezer and you will now have a loop – all that needs to be done is to stretch it out so that the knots can settle, and then trim off the excess thread ends – figure 9.
Figure 9
There you go! You now have your very own loop to use, and you saved yourself some money in the process. Remember - making your own loops does take a bit of trial and error and you will probably not get it in the first go. But once you get the hang of it you will be able to make a loop in less than 5 minutes!
CARE & MAKING LOOPS LAST By their very nature, loops are very fragile and if you use them often, they will break regularly. However, here are some ideas that will help you maximize the life-span of your loops. -
Avoid wearing watches where loops can snag on - or any other jewellery like armbands etc.
-
If you do have to wear a watch, keep in mind that loops tend to creep under the watch - so use that arm for spare loops.
-
Take them off immediately after the show, otherwise you WILL forget them on, lose them or shower with them!
-
Make your loops big. If they are too small or tight you are going to break them fast. They should fit loosely around your arm. This will also help you get the loop on for action.
SUBTLETIES & TIPS Here are some ideas and tips that I have picked up over the many years that I have used loops (in every show I do – standup and strolling). -
Never use loops in brightly lit or sunny areas. Light is the krypton of loops and will make them show very obviously to your audience.
-
Preferably wear black or a dark colour shirt or jacket to hide the loop.
-
Beware of fluff! Loops have a way of attracting fluff like a magnet and any fluff on a loop will make it stand out like a red lobster.
-
This might sound weird, but if you are going to use loops for close up, it really helps if you have a fur coat on your arms... all those hair will hide the loop. People with smooth arms need to take extra care in very close-up situations.
GET IN TOUCH! I trust this booklet has been helpful in some way to you! It would be great to hear from you, please do send me your thoughts and ideas on the subject. Have fun with your loops! Alexander May
[email protected]
