Hoop Making Tutorial

March 14, 2013 · by · in

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There are many tutorials for hoop making online, but none seem to be Australian. Most tutorials are from the US where they have different standard pipe sizes and fittings. So here it is, hoop making down under -

Get together the following:

- 20mm blue line waterpipe (see step 1 to determine length) *
- 10-15cm 16mm pipe
- Ratcheting plastic pipe cutter
- Drill (I use a 3mm bit)
- Blind rivert gun
- Rivets (I use size 4.4)

* You can buy this in 3m precut lengths from ‘big box’ hardware stores. Three metres is about perfect for a standard adult sized hoop.

1. Measure from the floor to your hip and multiply by 3.14. Cut a piece this length from the 20mm pipe. If you want a slightly bigger (easier to use) hoop measure to your belly button instead of your hip).

2. Insert the 16mm pipe halfway into one end of the 3m length of pipe, then insert the rest of the 16mm pipe into the other end of the 3m pipe to create a complete circle.

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3. Drill a hole approx 2cm from the join and use your rivet gun to fix the two pieces of pipe together.

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4. Flip the hoop over and do the same on the other side. I like to place my rivets so they’re on opposite sides of the hoop / diagonally opposite.

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5. Tape your hoop.

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6. Done

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NOTES:

  • If you want to make a larger ‘dance’ style hoop buy 25mm pipe instead and make your joiner out of 20mm pipe.
  • If you don’t have access to a drill and rivet gun you can use glue to fix the joiner into the hoop. The only glue on the retail market that works with PE type plastics is “Selley’s Plastics Glue”.
  • The easiest and cheapest tape to get hold of is electrical tape. My favourite is 3M brand as it’s thicker, stronger and has nicer colours than the cheapie brand electrical tapes. My favourite Australian hoop tape seller is Pretty Sticky.
  • When you travel it’s worth checking out stationers, art supplies and hardware stores. I’ve picked up some great low-cost tapes in the US, Japan and Thailand. Interestingly, while the standard colours for electrical tape in Australia are black, white and the primaries, the standard colours for electrical tape in the US include purple and orange. Awesome. Pretty colours for not much coin :)