“Those bands are really pretty, but what can you actually do with them?” I often get this question when I tell people I’m a bandweaver, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Most people don't really see bands in everyday life, beyond belts, bag straps, dog collars, and leashes—and even then, those aren't items most people really look at. What we need are more ways to wear and use bands that put them front and center, out in public, and I’ve got two projects to get us all started, as well as ways you can change the projects to suit your taste and needs.
Beachy Bands: Tropical Sands Flip-Flops
These summery sandals by Jennifer B. Williams (pictured at top) are one of my favorite “Hey, did you know you could do this with inkle bands?” projects. For her Tropical Sands Flip-Flops from the Summer 2019 issue, Jennifer transformed a pair of inexpensive flip-flops into a showstopper accessory. (Are shoes an accessory? Wearable, maybe?) Cheap flip-flops like this are everywhere—most of us probably have a set or two in our closets—so why not upcycle a set into something fantastic?
I think these flip-flops are gorgeous as-is, but I can't help but also think of all the potential for modifications to really personalize this project, such as:
- Try switching up the color palette to match your swimsuit or favorite summer outfit.
- Instead of making both flip-flops from the same band, consider weaving two coordinating but different bands. You can use one for the thong and the other for the strap, or even one for each foot.
- Put on a longer warp and use the extra length of band to make new straps for a favorite beach bag.
- If you have small or sensitive feet, you can weave a narrower band or even play with some tubular weaving for the toe thong.
Walkabout Set by Joan Sheridan. Photo credit: Matt Graves
Bands on the Move: Walkabout Band Set
When I contacted Joan Sheridan about designing a hat band for our Fall 2025 issue, she not only said yes, but also suggested a walking stick leash to go with it. Her brilliant idea turned into the Walkabout Band Set, another fantastic option for wearing bands while out and about. I love so much about this project, but I especially love the idea of a perfectly coordinated hiking set. I guarantee if you wear this on a trail, people will notice, and you might even get every weaver’s favorite question: “Where did you buy that!” Then you can casually say, “Oh, these? I made them. I’m A Weaver.”
Just like the flip-flops, you can adjust this project to make it your own!
- Play with the turned krorkbragd weaving sequence and see what other patterns you can come up with.
- Not a hiker? Instead of making a walking-stick leash, use that part of the band to make a key fob or lanyard, and now you've got the perfect errand accessories.
- Weave multiple variations of the hatband and walking-stick leash so that you can change them out depending on the season or where you’re hiking.
- Put on a longer warp and make a set of flip-flops to go with your hatband and walking stick leash, although I would not recommend hiking in flip-flops.
Final Thoughts
Ready to get weaving? I don't blame you! These two projects and all the modifications mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ways we can wear our bands. Remember, if you're a Little Looms subscriber, you have access to all back issues of Little Looms in the Little Looms Library, including the Summer 2019 and Fall 2025 issues mentioned here. If you’re an All Access Subscriber, you also have access to individual project PDFs. Click the links below to download them!
Whether you weave one or both of these projects, I hope you start thinking about ways to showcase your bands out in public and your everyday life. After all, the best answer to “What can you do with bands?” is to show off the many beautiful, useful items you happen to have on hand.
Happy Weaving!
Christina